REVISITED: A visit to Taverne Johann after 20 years
With our REVISITED format, we revisit completed projects and ask: How does architecture stand the test of time? Following a single-family house in Witterswil last year, our second visit takes us to Taverne Johann in Basel. More than 20 years after the renovation, Christian and head chef Christoph Hartmann speak again in the video about the interplay between hospitality and space.
Anna Stärk
25. June 2026
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Which hospitality needs in spatial design still work today? The fundamental needs – connection, authenticity, and atmosphere – remain unchanged. A restaurant continues to be a social space that brings people together. What has worked particularly well at Johann from the very beginning is the openness of the space, its earthy materiality, and its sense of honesty. These qualities create trust and longevity – values that remain relevant today.
Are there aspects you would approach differently today? With the experience gained over the years, one might introduce more flexible seating arrangements or even more adaptable lighting concepts. However, many of the original decisions – such as limiting the material palette to a few honest materials like copper, oak, and concrete – have proven to be exceptionally sustainable. This clear, craft-driven interior ages gracefully and establishes a strong identity rather than chasing trends.
What defines timeless interior design? Timeless design is reduced, honest, and functional. When materials are allowed to age and develop a patina, they gain character rather than showing wear. At Johann, decoration was never the focus; proportion, tactility, and light were. This approach allows a place to remain vibrant and relevant for decades.
How has guest behaviour changed over time? Today, the boundaries between restaurant, bar, and social gathering place have become increasingly blurred. Guests stay longer and come not only to dine but also to meet, connect, or work. At Johann, this can be seen, for example, in the careful integration of former leisure areas such as the bowling alley, which is now perceived as an atmospheric part of the overall spatial experience. Spaces today need to accommodate a wider range of uses.
How has the architecture supported this change? The robust and open structure has been an advantage from the outset. Solid materials and a clear spatial organisation have allowed for subtle adaptations without compromising the character of the place. This adaptability is crucial – and in the future, architecture will increasingly serve as a framework rather than a determinant of operational concepts.
What changes do you anticipate over the next 20 years? Hospitality will become even more strongly shaped by sustainability, flexible use, and community. Kitchens will become more visible, and energy efficiency will be taken for granted. Architecture must respond with durable, resource-conscious, yet flexible concepts – spaces that can evolve in both use and atmosphere without sacrificing quality.
Why has this restaurant remained consistently successful? Because it offers identity rather than stylistic reinvention. The combination of a clear philosophy – in cuisine, hospitality, and spatial design – creates credibility. Johann has succeeded in remaining rooted in its neighbourhood without becoming outdated. Authenticity has replaced fashion.
What role does architectural quality play in long-term economic success? A significant one. Good architecture is ultimately the most economical long-term solution: it requires less explanation, ages gracefully, and reduces renovation costs. When guests enjoy spending time in a space because it feels coherent and authentic, this has a direct impact on the success of the business.
Have guests’ tastes and expectations changed? Yes – today’s guests expect more atmosphere and greater authenticity. They intuitively read spaces: is something genuinely crafted or merely staged? The response is not to introduce new effects, but to continue refining what already exists through a conscious approach to light, detailing, and the history of the place.
Which architectural qualities will be most important in the future? Flexibility, material honesty, and identity. A restaurant must be adaptable, durable, and at the same time full of character. Spaces that allow stories to unfold and support multiple forms of use will remain relevant. Timelessness is not created through neutrality, but through conviction.
Founded in 1993, our office can now look back on a career spanning more than 30 years. 30 years in which we have been able to implement a large number of exciting projects, gain experience and, last but not least, continuously develop ourselves. What has remained the same is the passion for our profession and the unconditional thirst for knowledge and the will to share it, because more than ever we believe that it is not about preserving know-how and experience, but about sharing and passing it on - this is the only way to create mutual exchange, progress and participation. Our company claim “sharing experience” is intended to fulfill this desire and is part of our relaunch, which we implemented on the occasion of our 30th company anniversary...
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.
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. We begin with Dr. phil. nat. Jean-Pierre Biber from the Advisory Office for Bird Issues, Department for Nature and Landscape Conservation of the Canton of Basel-Stadt.
Press Release. After 20 years at the helm of the Board of Trustees of Architektur Dialoge, Christian W. Blaser has stepped down as President. With the transition to a rotational chairmanship within the board, the foundation is reorganising its structure while continuing its established event series and maintaining a focus on the foundation’s future development.
As part of the expansion of the «Sonnenfeld» residential development in Oberwil, located on Bielstrasse, we participated in an architectural design competition. Our proposal was recognised as bold, provocative and thought-provoking. For us, this provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between territory and architecture and to ask what responsibility architecture must assume within this context.
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…
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.
… 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.
Workplace Creation at Primeo AG through pioneering building technology with antique building material... Founded over 125 years ago, the Primeo Energie cooperative is headquartered in Münchenstein and reliably supplies over 180,000 households in Switzerland and France with energy. Under the motto ‘We bundle energy’, the infrastructure company focuses on the decarbonisation of the energy supply and offers intelligent, unique solutions in the areas of smart homes, sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. These are aimed at private and business customers as well as energy supply companies, cities and municipalities.
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