Sustainable Site Development: How Is It Done Today?
Large projects can have a large leverage effect. The site development of uptownBasel aims to upgrade the former industrial site in the Schoren area of Arlesheim, in three dimensions: the buildings, their surroundings and ecological connectivity.
Buildings: sustainable and modular
The first building, "The Pioneer," shows how this works in practice. Its modular usage concept allows spaces to adapt to changing needs. Its rooftop terrace serves as a meeting place for employees and is planted with many native species.
Surroundings: a campus that opens up to the landscape
The site is also being developed with its setting in mind. Additional plots acquired along the western boundary help create a link between the campus and the natural landscape along the River Birs.
Energy: using resources more than once
Sustainability at uptownBasel also means closing loops. Together with Primeo Energie, the campus is building its own substation with climate-friendly switchgear. Surplus heat from the site feeds into the new Wärmeverbund Birsstadt, which is converting 25 existing heating networks in the region to renewable energy.
A site developed with its neighbours
A project of this size needs acceptance as well as good ideas. uptownBasel is being realised step by step, in close coordination with the municipality, the canton and other stakeholders, as the approval of the "Untere Weiden II" district plan by Arlesheim's municipal assembly in March 2022 showed.
Source: AZ Anzeiger, edition of 24 February 2022 (Issuu)
