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"AFTER THE PARTY"
A CONTINUOUS
PUBLIC GROUND

Basel, Switzerland
Fall 2020 (half semester)
Partner Siying Han
Instructor Simon Hartmann, Simon Frommenwiler & Tilo Herlach (HHF)
Academic, Architecture Option Studio, Harvard GSD

A Continuous Public Ground is a critical concept and a flexible approach to addressing the challenges of urban fabric, particularly in relation to the imbalance among land uses and the demand for economic growth. The intention is to create a continuation of the public qualities generated through the exhibitions, while maintaining the site as a crucial part of the economic engine even after the ‘party’ ends.

Given the decline of the exhibition industry and the pressing need for economic recovery, two main roles will be designated on the site: ‘the consumed’ and ‘the consumer.’

‘The consumed’ will refer to the expansion of commercial real estate, which fosters economic growth and job creation in the traditional sense. ‘The consumer’ will be a flexible element added to the traditional living environment—recreational facilities (including public activities and commercial exchanges), which will both complement the expansion of commercial real estate and continue the surrounding urban landscape, whether on an international or communal scale.

The new hybrid spaces will not only provide an innovative living experience but also reactivate the shrinking exhibition grounds, immersing residents and visitors in a vortex of recreation and pleasure that encourages compulsive consumption.

Introduction   01

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Site Condition  02

 

The common ground is a slope that connects the second level of the exhibition center to the ground level. Despite the plantations and curving footpath, the interactions between the interior and exterior are intriguing to visitors. The exterior seating areas offer views of the interior programs. The slope physically separates the public ground level from the upper residential levels from a security perspective, but it also brings different people together, encouraging more communication and cultural exchange.

03  Common Ground

 
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Unfolded Section  04

 
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The composition of the building can be considered as three levels in the vertical direction: public programs at the bottom and residential areas at the top. The common ground between them is an outdoor landscaped public space.

Within each level, multiple shared components are integrated. These spaces provide different programs for various types of users. They increase opportunities for communication between residents, locals, and visitors.

05  Residential Components

 
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