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.
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 invisible logistics behind a hospital renovation. Together with Butscher Architekten, we realised the conversion and refurbishment of the new Privée Ward at Klinik Stephanshorn in St. Gallen. We discussed with Christoph Butscher the challenges involved in logistics, planning and coordination while keeping hospital operations running.
… 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.
Participation, collective ownership and self-governance – these three principles form the foundation of housing cooperatives. Unlike private real estate companies, the focus is not on maximising returns, but on the long-term preservation of housing, stable cost-covering rents and social responsibility.
Sustainability in the construction industry is one of the key challenges of our time, while also offering significant opportunities to shape the built environment responsibly and with a long-term perspective. It is a topic that we engage with every day. Whether working on private or commercial developments, small-scale interventions or large, complex projects, the many dimensions of sustainability are an integral part of our planning process and influence a wide range of project tasks. They continue to shape the way we design, plan and build.
Auf den ersten Blick weckt derBegriff «Corporate Architecture» oft die Vorstellung von uniformen,austauschbaren Gebäuden ohne erkennbaren Bezug zum jeweiligen Standort. Dochals Architekten und Generalplaner, die immer wieder in diesem Bereich tätigsind, wissen wir: Hinter Corporate Architecture stehen komplexe Aufgaben, derenUmsetzung Präzision, Adaption, Kommunikation, logistische Fähigkeiten undweitere anspruchsvolle Kompetenzen erfordert – genau diese Herausforderungenmachen solche Projekte für uns besonders spannend.
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.
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.
Auch wir bei Blaser Architekten befinden uns mitten in der digitalen Transformation aller Geschäftsabläufe und können von uns behaupten, dass wir bereits vieles umgesetzt haben. Die Digitalisierung ist aber kein Sprint, auch kein Marathon – viel mehr ein Weg, den wir nicht mehr verlassen werden. Laufend werden neue Tools entwickelt, KI wartet in immer kürzer zu werden scheinenden Intervallen mit neuen Möglichkeiten auf. Das bedeutet, dass wir die digitale Transformation nicht als Prozess verstehen, der nun bald abgeschlossen sein wird, sondern als selbstverständlich gewordener Teil unserer täglichen Aufgaben. Deswegen ist es uns wichtig, diesen Weg aufmerksam zu gehen, was heute möglich ist zu implementieren, aber auch neue Entwicklungen nicht zu verschlafen. Einer unserer Mitarbeitenden ist in diesem Thema besonders zuhause und legt sich dafür ins Zeug. Zamri Thüring ist Student des Master-Studiengangs in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) an der FHNW und arbeitet bei Blaser Architekten in der Qualitätssicherung für Computer Aided Design (CAD, QS). In diesem Blogbeitrag teilt er seine Erfahrungen und Einsichten.
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