In Focus: Interview with Prof. Raphael Guzman, Head of Clinic and Chief Physician of Neurosurgery at USB
The main campus of the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area is home to numerous innovative companies in the biotech and healthtech sectors. The University Hospital Basel also maintains a branch here, offering a forward-looking learning environment through the Skills Lab Simulation Centre. We reached out to Prof. Raphael Guzman, Head of Clinic and Chief Physician of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Basel, to learn more about the benefits of the new Skills Lab.
Anna Stärk
02. April 2026
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What functional and spatial requirements were central from your perspective for a contemporary Skills and Simulation Centre? For us in neurosurgery, flexibility and modularity are crucial. The spaces must accommodate both microsurgery courses for residents and suturing courses for students. Key considerations include height-adjustable dissection tables, optimal lighting, clear sightlines for instructors and observers, and the integration of VR and simulation modules. Additionally, a modern technical infrastructure — stable networks, monitors, cameras, and sufficient power outlets — is essential to run courses in parallel and conduct digital training efficiently.
What differences, innovations, or developments does the new Skills Lab offer compared to the previous one? The main difference is that we now have a single location encompassing all functionalities. Previously, several smaller Skills Labs were decentralised across the USB and other locations. These labs also lacked advanced technical capabilities. Now, we have a modern, centralised environment, which allows for shorter distances, better oversight, and a motivating learning atmosphere.
How important are visual connections, orientation, and internal circulation for the daily operation of a simulation and training centre? Very important. Clear sightlines enable efficient teaching, while intuitive circulation prevents interruptions and facilitates the flow of materials and people. This saves time and significantly improves operational workflow.
What signal effect does the new Skills Lab have, in your view, for students, instructors, and external partners? The new Skills Lab conveys innovation and professionalism at USB. Students and physicians recognise that hands-on training is a top priority, while instructors benefit from optimised working conditions. External partners see that we use state-of-the-art training technologies and deliver practice-oriented training at the highest level. This builds trust, facilitates collaborations, and demonstrates that we are a leading institution in medical education and simulation.
What significance does the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area location have for the future development of medical training? What advantages does the SIP offer? The SIP location is ideal for innovation and technology transfer. We benefit from proximity to high-tech start-ups, research institutions, and industry partners. This facilitates the integration of new medical technologies, VR, and simulation tools and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. The environment inspires both students and instructors, enabling the Skills Lab to function not only as a training centre but also as an innovation hub for medical education.
Are there spatial elements or architectural decisions that you particularly hope will improve efficiency and workflow in daily operations? Yes, especially modular, open spaces that can be flexibly adapted for different course formats. Visual connections between instructors and participants, separate access points for materials and personnel, and strategically placed technical stations greatly facilitate workflow. The integration of VR stations without interfering with physical training areas also improves efficiency and allows parallel use of different training modules. I expect this will ensure smooth operations, short transitions between theory, practice, and simulation, and significant relief in daily operations.
… How Glazing Systems Sustainably Brighten Spaces In our projects, the use and integration of light always play a central role. Whether in offices, laboratories, or residential spaces, daylight is a crucial factor in both new construction and renovation projects. And for good reason—flooded with natural light, rooms not only create a pleasant atmosphere and a sense of spaciousness but also significantly impact energy efficiency and indoor climate. Last but not least, light and air have been proven to influence human psychology. In the following, we take a closer look at the key aspects of daylight planning from an architectural perspective and how the right glazing systems can enhance daylight supply in interior spaces.
What actually is... amock-up?Sketches, drawings,floor plans, 3D models - the language used by architectural designers tocommunicate visually is not always easy to understand right away in reality -after all, visualizations often only offer a perspective view and plans, gridsand the like must also be able to be read. And even if digitalization has longsince found its way into the field of construction (planning) and architecture,the implementation of a project and the end result is still a highly analoguematter that involves sensory perception. So what helps to illustrate ideas andpossible projects in the best possible way and to give clients, but also thecontractors, tradespeople and suppliers involved, a comprehensive picture ofwhat the future could look like? Exactly, a mock-up, i.e. a modelrepresentation on a scale of 1:1. The term mock-up has its origins in French(maquette) and means something like preliminary model, sketch or draft.
At first glance, the term “corporate architecture” often evokes images of uniform, interchangeable buildings with little connection to their specific location. However, as architects and general planners who regularly work in this field, we know that corporate architecture involves complex challenges. Successful implementation requires precision, adaptability, communication, logistical expertise and a range of other demanding skills. It is precisely these challenges that make such projects particularly exciting for us.
Pinterest, digital mood boards, Instagram, ChatGPT and other AI-powered research tools – the number of digital information platforms is vast, and they’ve become an integral part of our daily workflow.
And yet, our analogue architecture library possesses a unique power of its own. As a tactile archive of architectural history and a source of inspiration for future thinking, it remains a constant presence in our studio – sometimes used more, sometimes less, but always accessible.
In Liesberg, we are currently realising a residential building that deliberately leverages the complex conditions of its hillside location. The clear orientation and carefully positioned openings towards the landscape not only enable impressive long-distance views; the quality of living inside is also enhanced by a sustainable construction approach and integrated building services, designed with the future in mind. We spoke with our client and developer and asked…
A large part of our work today is digital and virtual—we design with CAD, enhance plans with BIM data, and visualize projects in 3D. Still, sometimes the tried and true methods prove their worth. Take model making, for example, which continues to play a significant role in architecture. Surprisingly, this might seem counterintuitive given the indispensable tools like 3D renderings and simulations, making physical model making appear almost outdated. However, as in life, the magic often lies in the mix: combining digital and analog methods unlocks unique potential. Why Analog When Everything Is Digital?
Architecture and science – two fields that go hand in hand in the Basel region. These aspects are skillfully intertwined on the MAIN CAMPUS of the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area in Allschwil. This life sciences and innovation ecosystem, developed over the past few years near the French border on behalf of Senn Resources AG, offers an attractive and highly interconnected home for companies and institutions ranging from startups to multinational corporations...
Our new blog format REVISITED takes a retrospective look at completed projects, offering an assessment of architecture as it is lived over time. We begin with a single-family home in Witterswil, completed in 2012. Situated at the edge of the building zone, the one-storey residence was realised as a densification of an existing plot and includes, in addition to the customary living areas, a slightly recessed studio space. The house was originally occupied by a couple to whom we have returned for a visit 13 years after their move-in.
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