Re-thinking of the harbor zone into a new multifunctional district
I. Genesis: environmental and infrastructure issues
The transformation of the Hafenareal in Basel began more than 15 years ago, with initial discussions on urban development and harbor activities emerging in 2005 following the establishment of the Novartis Campus innovation and Research Centre. Over the course of these 17 years, numerous initiatives, studies, and research projects have taken place.
Emerging from the chrysalis of a former harbor zone, the Hafenareal project is a visionary endeavor that captures the essence of urban evolution and redefines the very fabric of the cityscape. This re-imagined expanse of land, once characterized by the maritime industry, is poised to flourish anew as a vibrant, multifunctional district, blending history, innovation, and community. The waterfront promenade becomes a living testament to the project’s spirit, where people gather to celebrate life, culture, and conviviality against the backdrop of the Rhine’s tranquil embrace.
Sustainability forms the cornerstone of this metamorphosis. Harnessing renewable energies, green technologies, and mindful urban planning, the Hafenareal district takes bold strides towards a future where prosperity and environmental stewardship walk hand in hand. Rooftop gardens, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting redefine urban living, setting an example for sustainable cohabitation.
II. Triggers
At Klybeckquai and Westquai, the canton of Basel-Stadt has the unique opportunity to develop a large area from a single source. The relocation of today’s port railway on Altrheinweg is the prerequisite for this urban development and ensures a future-proof port railway infrastructure. The Government Council has decided to present the “Südquai” option for relocating the port railway to the Greater Council. The port railway will be relocated to the port core area, the existing track systems south of the meadow will be abolished.
Environmental Issues. The Hafenareal was historically an industrial area, leading to contamination of the land and groundwater by pollutants such as heavy metals, oil, and chemicals. This required extensive environmental remediation before redevelopment could begin.
The existing industrial infrastructure in the area was outdated and in disrepair. It needed significant investment and repurposing to accommodate modern urban needs. The industrial legacy left behind hazardous waste sites and required careful management and disposal during the redevelopment process to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Being located along the Rhine River, the area was susceptible to flooding, necessitating flood protection measures and sustainable urban planning to address this environmental challenge.
Critical Infrastructure Challenges. The area needed improvements in transportation infrastructure to facilitate access, including roads, public transit, and pedestrian pathways. The old industrial infrastructure had to be upgraded to meet the demands of a modern urban environment, including water supply, sewage, and electrical grids.
In light of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, resilience planning was crucial. This included designing buildings and infrastructure that could withstand disasters and ensuring emergency response capabilities.
The removal of industrial production from the area leads to an open district which needs a new identity.
III. Transformational context
Official discussions specifically focused on the Hafenareal commenced in 2006 when the canton Basel-City initiated a study to explore the potential for further development in the Rheinhafen Klybeck-Kleinhüningen area. Feddersen & Klostermann were commissioned to devise a strategy for gradually transforming the harbor zone. Their proposal involved relocating the harbor to the second basin adjacent to Auhafen Muttenz. This relocation presented an opportunity to reshape the area into a new urban district.
Thinking of Solutions to Address the Challenges. The transformation of Hafenareal Basel commenced with thorough and inclusive planning efforts. City planners, architects, and local stakeholders collaborated to create a comprehensive master plan. This collective brainstorming helped envision solutions to address critical challenges, including environmental remediation, infrastructure upgrades, and flood risk mitigation. Thinking creatively about urban design was paramount. The proposal to relocate the harbor presented an innovative solution to free up space for urban redevelopment. By reimagining the area as a new urban district, planners harnessed the potential of a formerly industrial site.
How the Challenges are Being Addressed: Extensive planning involved architects, urban designers, and local stakeholders to create a comprehensive master plan. This plan outlined the area’s zoning, transportation network, and public spaces. The first phase involved the refurbishment of infrastructure, repurposing industrial buildings, and creating modern utilities. Parks and recreational areas were developed, along with improved access to the Rhine River, allowing for a reconnection between the city and its waterfront. Art installations were commissioned throughout the district, contributing to the area’s cultural vibrancy. To ensure social inclusion, affordable housing options were incorporated into the urban development, alongside upscale apartments and condos. The mixed-use approach attracted businesses, restaurants, and retail, bolstering the local economy.
Additional Plans for Addressing Future Challenges: The city plans to further enhance sustainability in Hafenareal Basel by exploring innovative green technologies, renewable energy sources, and methods to reduce the district’s carbon footprint. Future plans aim to promote cultural exchange, social inclusion, and safety within the district. The city intends to attract a diverse range of businesses and industries to ensure long-term economic growth and job opportunities. Ongoing efforts will be made to enhance the resilience of the area, preparing it to face the challenges posed by climate change and potential natural disasters.
Trinational Collaboration: The redevelopment of the Hafenareal has involved collaboration between Switzerland, France, and Germany. The shared competition study launched by the three countries demonstrates a commitment to working together to create a cohesive and integrated district. This trinational collaboration has the potential to foster cross-border relationships, promote cultural exchange, and enhance regional cooperation. In 2017, the canton Basel-City published a final report in which it declared how the urban development of the Hafenareal Klybeck-Kleinhüningen should happen. The canton clearly formulated that the Hafenareal should transform into a long-term cultural and industrial trinational district. The new district, together with its industrial part, should include recreational areas, workplace zones, and a new housing district close to the river. This vision of the canton was also integrated in the IBA Basel 2020 and became the baseline for any other further research and test planning. According to this report, the transformation of the half-island should always happen in coordination with the Klybeck-Kleinhüningen district. The main island would transform into a new urban district and the railways in between the two, could turn into a green common space dedicated to all districts.
IV. Action Journey
The economic structural change offers an opportunity to redesign these spaces and open them up to the population. In this way, mixed districts with the urgently needed living and working spaces can be created. In order to make this transformation possible, the Canton of Basel-Stadt is investing in the expansion and partial relocation of the nationally important port and logistics infrastructure as well as in partnership-based planning with the landowners. The canton promotes urban development on vacant land, guarantees the necessary infrastructure and ensures that green and open spaces are also planned. District transformation and development are being implemented in several types of projects in different functional zones.
Security and Integrating Resilience. Among other urban projects that are taking place in the area, the “Klybeckplus” project – Not only the port, but Klybeck site also plan a new urban quarter on an area of around 300´000m2 and to open up to the population. Since the beginning of the transformation process in 2016 the population is invited to help shape the change. The population will continue to be involved in the planning. The conversion of the industrially used area into an open, green and mixed district occurs gradually over a long period of time. Quiet urban residential areas will alternate with areas for trade and services. Neighborhood uses are planned as well as a central school campus. A diverse range of living space in all price segments will create a district for the entire population. More than 50% of the river banks is a natural reserve and needs to be further protected.
Good Environmental Governance. IBA Basel 2020 informal planning urban policy – true to its motto “Growing together across borders” aimed to concretize the shared responsibility for agglomeration in projects, buildings, infrastructures, and landscapes and provide impetus for a cross-border culture of cooperation.
The effect of this policy and urban action transformation of the Hafenareal in Basel has brought about changes in residential capacity, connectivity, urban functionality, cultural and industrial development, sustainability, heritage conservation, and cross-border collaboration. Together, these impacts contribute to the overall transformation and positive development of the district and its surrounding region.
The transformation of the Hafenareal in Basel has a significant impact on the city and the surrounding region. Today you can do gardening, skating, brunching, drinking a beer or eating fondue, graffiti, a place for long and noisy nights, a place of culture.
V. Future
Good Environmental Governance: The redevelopment of the Hafenareal can allow for the creation of new housing options, accommodating at least 1,000 new residents. This increase in residential capacity has helped address the growing demand for housing in Basel and provided opportunities for people to live near the river and other amenities within the district.
The redevelopment of the Hafenareal has fostered a mixed-use approach, combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The planning team has emphasized the integration of commercial zones with workplaces and residences, creating a diverse and vibrant urban environment. This approach promotes a walkable and livable district where residents can easily access amenities, services, and employment opportunities.
The transformation of the Hafenareal has paid attention to preserving and integrating elements of historical heritage. Structures such as silos, storage buildings, and signal stations have been retained and incorporated into the new urban district. This preservation of historical elements not only adds to the cultural richness of the area but also maintains a sense of continuity and identity with the past.
The vision for the transformed Hafenareal is to become a long-term cultural and industrial transitional district. The project aims to create a dynamic hub that attracts visitors, fosters creativity, and supports economic growth by incorporating cultural institutions, recreational areas, and industrial facilities. This cultural and industrial focus has the potential to generate employment, tourism, and innovation within the region.
The redevelopment of the Hafenareal has prioritized sustainability and the integration of green spaces. The proposal to transform the railways between the districts into a green common space highlights the commitment to creating a sustainable environment. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, promote ecological balance, and provide residents with access to nature within an urban setting.
Resilience Infrastructure Development: Resilience infrastructure development in the masterplan for Hafenareal Basel is a component to ensure the long-term sustainability and ability of the district to withstand various challenges, including those posed by climate change and natural disasters. Resilience infrastructure includes the design of new buildings or the retrofitting of existing ones may focus on climate resilience. This involves using materials and construction techniques that can withstand extreme weather conditions and incorporating energy-efficient features to adapt to a changing climate.
Ongoing follow-up urban projects:
- Extension of the building rights in the ports, since 1999 until 2029, some up to 2049
- Klybeckquai/Westquai, since 2022
- Hafenbecken 3, ship-rail-road, from 2023
- District plan
- klybeckplus
- Rhein bridge, from 2029
- Port bridge
- Relocation/optimization of the port railway, from 2030
- Gateway Basel Nord
Annex I: Additional Links
Zehn Jahre Zwischennutzung am Basler Hafenareal (bzbasel.ch)
Hafen-Stadt.ch
klybeckplus.ch
Entwicklungsgebiete (iba-basel.net)
port-of-switzerland.ch
klybeckquai westquai(raumplanung-staedtebau-stadtraum.bs.ch)
Projekten auf dem Hafenareal(wiewaersmalmit.ch)
hafenareal (bzbasel.ch) Prof. Dr. Udo Weilacher, TU München (2023): Transformation Hafenareal Basel
Annex II. Stakeholders
- Political project control:
Representatives of the landowners and the canton of Basel-Stadt. Overall responsibility for planning and participation - Project management:
Representatives of the landowners and the canton of Basel-Stadt
Technical planning, coordination and operational implementation of the project, together with cantonal departments and external partners - Advisory board, district secretariats:
Employees of the administration and the district secretariats
Interface between administration and district, district coordination as well as reflection, comment and support of the participation process
- Advisory board:
External experts from the fields of urban planning, mobility, open space, profitability, etc.
Technical support for project management and project management
- Departments and planning offices:
Internal offices and experts from the cantonal administration, external planning offices and experts
Processing of subject-specific studies, questions and tasks - Publicity:
Basel population with special consideration of the Klybeck district and the adjacent Matthäus, Horburg, Rosental and Kleinhüningen districts Participation as individuals (instead of as association representatives) in the public participation process
Moderation participation:
External specialist Advice on the participation process, conception, planning, implementation and documentation of participation events
