As far as temperatures are concerned, the “Messeplatz” in Basel is a hot place. In high summer, record-breaking temperatures are regularly measured here due to the spacious asphalt area and the building situation. As far as the quality of stay in this urban space is concerned, however, the square is anything but a “hot spot” unless it is temporarily enlivened by an event such as Art Basel or the “Herbstmesse”.
The project, which MCH Group (Messe Basel) is presenting to the public today together with Bauer Baumschulen and StadtKonzeptBasel, is intended to benefit things at once: on the one hand, the trees placed in troughs are to provide shade and have a positive effect on the microclimate of the square. On the other hand, the integrated seating is intended to make the place more “homely” and invite people to linger.
The Messeplatz is joining the Stadt-Insel project of StadtKonzeptBasel. The public can make themselves comfortable on the Flâneur city furniture and reflect on the public space of the future. In addition to Messeplatz, the shady city islands can be found in Freie Strasse and near the Kunstmuseum until the end of October.
The positive effect of the “oasis” on the exhibition square should not only be empirically noticeable, but also scientifically accompanied and processed. A team of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH under the direction of Prof. Stefan Jack will take over this elaborate function. Not only the shading performance of the planting will be part of the investigations, but also the elaboration of a modeling for mobile greenery. This will make it possible to calculate the functionality and performance of mobile plantings for individual squares, streets, entire neighborhoods or even cities. In addition, the “Oasis” has the advantage of smart technology, which makes it possible to retrieve data with measurement accuracy regardless of location, to interpret it precisely and to adapt it in a future-oriented manner.
However, MCH Group not only wants to “play” with projects on the exhibition site, but also to sustainably upgrade the entire district in the medium term. The “Messequartier” (MQ) is to be enlivened and made popular all year round with gastronomy, events, performances, trend sports and other activities. Since the square is owned by the Allmendverwaltung, the project also relies on the cooperation of the city.
“For us, this pilot project is a good opportunity to test various ideas that are also part of our vision for the fairground. In the process, we are supporting yet another good cause.”
Roman Imgrüth, CEO MCH Exhibition & Events
As soon as the troughs and benches are in place, the public is invited to take a seat. An opening event is planned for the second half of August, when the summer holiday season is over. At that time, the square will be even busier, as various urban trend sports will also be available for the young and young at heart to try out.
“For us, this pilot project is a good opportunity to test various ideas that are also part of our vision for the fairground. In the process, we are supporting yet another good cause.” says Roman Imgrüth, CEO MCH Exhibitions & Events. “The collaboration with Bauer Baumschule and StadtKonzeptBasel is very inspiring, we come from very different corners but have the same ideas.”
“With MCH Group, we have found a forward-looking and committed partner who is blazing new trails with a great deal of verve and is providing us with fundamental support in the development and monitoring of this lighthouse project.”
Sebastian Mühlemann, Project Manager Bauer Baumschule
Sebastian Mühlemann, Project Manager at Bauer Baumschule adds, “‘Mobile Green’ combines state-of-the-art technology with horticultural expertise, so that together we can make a difference for our future and find good, sustainable solutions. With MCH Group, we have found a forward-looking and committed partner who is blazing new trails with a great deal of verve and is providing us with fundamental support in the development and monitoring of this lighthouse project.”
Prof. Stefan Jack from BFH explains: “Developing future-oriented solutions for society is BFH’s strategy. Here we find an ideal opportunity to contribute our interdisciplinary expertise. With the mapping into computational models, we can quantify the positive impact of trees and tree groups and thus support cities, communities and companies to plan plantings efficiently.”
“An activation and occupation of the exhibition square also outside of fair times is important and contributes to the fact that the fair in the future also becomes a meeting place in the neighborhood.”
Mathias F. Böhm, Managing Director StadtKonzeptBasel
Mathias F. Böhm, Managing Director StadtKonzeptBase add: “An activation and occupation of the exhibition square also outside of exhibition times is important and contributes to the fact that the fair in the future also becomes a meeting place in the neighborhood. With the urban space objects “City Islands” and the “Fontaine” sprayer, which were created in the context of the Flâneur Festival, we contribute to the attractiveness of the playground with shade and cooling in the hot summer months”.
