Skills Lab

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. Using state-of-the-art technologies, essential skills are taught and practised on models and simulators in a realistic, evidence-based, and risk-free setting, with the goal of preparing clinical staff and students for real-life scenarios.

The tenant fit-out, designed by Blaser Architekten, covers a total area of 480 m² and is located on the first floor of Building B at the main campus. At the centre of the space is a generous entrance area with a kitchenette and lounge, from which all other rooms are accessed. These include a VR/AR room for visualising medical 3D data in a virtual reality environment, a 160 m² dissection room, and an auditorium for training sessions and team exercises accommodating up to 40 participants.

A particular highlight is the visual connection between the auditorium and the dissection room: a movable projection screen allows simulations to be either transparent or fully shielded, with live observation possible when required. Additional flexibility is provided by a floor-to-ceiling, wall-aligned interior door that can divide the dissection room into two separate spaces.

A key objective of the project was to create a high-quality yet functional working environment. Bright room layouts and generous windows overlooking the courtyard of the Herzog & de Meuron–designed building contribute to a pleasant working atmosphere in the dissection rooms. This is complemented by inviting communal areas: the lounge with outdoor views and the kitchenette provide an open setting that encourages both professional exchange and focused work.

Read here: Interview with Prof. Raphael Guzman, Head of Clinic and Chief Physician of Neurosurgery at USB