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.
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?
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.
The topic of green roofs and biodiversity conservation in inner cities has gained increasing importance in recent years and is becoming a key component of sustainable urban planning. As an architectural practice, we regularly engage with this subject, for example through our work on the Stücki Park project on Hochbergstrasse. This provides good reason to take a closer look. In line with our credo “sharing experience,” we aim to gain deeper insights into why urban greening and bird conservation are so important and what role Basel plays in this context. We spoke with two experts on the subject. In the second part of the interview, we exchanged views with Dr. phil. Monika Schaub from the Department of Building Applications, Trees, and Plant Protection.
The Hirsacker Foundation is a private foundation based in Liesberg, Canton of Basel-Landschaft. By public mandate, it offers places in "Supported Living" as well as in "Accompanied Day Structuring" specifically for people on the autism spectrum. Founded in 1987, more than 60 employees are currently dedicated to enabling clients to lead self-determined and fulfilling lives. Tailored to individual needs, the services include nature-oriented, manual, and creative activities that take place in a safe and supportive environment, focusing on joy of life, development opportunities, and social inclusion. Maintenance work that has become necessary is now being undertaken by Blaser Architects. This encompasses several properties of the Hirsacker Foundation, particularly the "Riederwald" residential building and the "Hirsacker" area. A first sub-project has already been completed, with other works still pending.
Efficient, cost-effective and high-quality: our new-build project in Basel/Binningen with prefabricated façade elements. What convinced us... We are currently working on the construction of a new apartment block (MFH) in Basel/Binningen, where we are in the middle of the shell construction and suggested a kind of modular system to the client, more precisely the use of prefabricated façade elements.
We decided to work with ERNE AG Holzbau, which specialises in prefabricated façade systems. Together, we developed a combination of reinforced concrete ceilings with steel columns and non-load-bearing façade elements for our project. The following advantages drove us to pursue this concept:
A key benefit is the time factor: prefabricated façade elements are manufactured in the factory and can then be assembled on site, which significantly reduces the overall construction time. In addition, you are less dependent on favourable weather conditions, as it is more difficult to work in hail, snow or 35 degrees than under weather-independent conditions in the production hall, where the right tools, materials and expertise are always immediately available.
Founded in 2006, the non-profit foundation Architektur Dialoge (AD) aims to raise public awareness about architecture and urban issues while fostering dialogue between the industry and private users. To achieve this, Architektur Dialoge offers a wide range of events on architecture and building culture, inviting the public to learn more through lectures, guided tours, and workshops. One of these offerings is the Making Of series, which provides insights into craftsmanship and architecture. Hosted by Christian W. Blaser, a member of the AD Foundation Board, the series not only highlights completed projects but also tells the stories behind their creation—from the initial idea to their realisation...
How are lighting fixtures created that go far beyond their function as sources of light and become an extension of a space’s architecture? In conversation with the founders of PrintYourLight, we discuss the influence of architecture, nature, and co-design on their work, the possibilities of 3D printing, and the role of light as an identity-defining element of design.
… 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.
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