Lucia Gratz , Mark Niedermann (Bilder)
Summary
At the beginning of the 1930s a swimming pool complex was built in Basel which combined several different functions under one roof and was given the name Rialto. The building was an expression of belief in the big city, the inspiration came from abroad. Using an urban density, a combination of event spaces with workplaces and apartments was housed in an nine-story building with a rational and functional design by Basel architects Emil Bercher and Eugen Tamm. Over the years numerous alterations have been made. The most recent conversion has shown that this hybrid building can be adapted to serve present day needs. Adhering closely to the original distribution of functions, Reuter Architekten have strengthened the existing spatial qualities, renovated the tiled facade in accordance with the requirements of the conservation authorities, and updated the technical services. Eight additional apartments have been created, and the public swimming facility has gained a second training pool and a wellness area.