Syngenta HeadquartersPreliminary design Basel

The Rosental area, in which Syngenta has its global headquarters, is in the middle of a transformation process. Part of this measure involves the creation of a new entrance and reception building towards the Schwarzwaldallee, which is composed of a sequence of a variety of old and new buildings. The new building is to be designed as a solitary structure opposite the main entrance to the railway station Badischer Bahnhof, framed on one side by a representative green space in continuation of the existing trees lining the avenue.

The historical building – the height and proportions of which form the basis of the design of the new building – is presented more clearly in this way. Placement of the building directly alongside the Schwarzwaldallee, allows retention of the open space within the grounds. The design of the ground floor and facade reflects the open arcade structure of the Badischer Bahnhof and the repetitive moments of the other existing buildings in the vicinity. The building volume is liberated from the lower floor in an upward direction and the facade is composed of a structured pattern of elongated concrete elements of different widths that interlock with each other while leaving generous openings.

Inside, two circulation cores carry most of the load of the upper storeys and allow extensive glazing to either side of the entrance area. This transparency of the ground floor towards the inner Rosental area as well as towards the Schwarzwaldallee corresponds to the character of a reception building. The broad open hall flooded with light from above that receives visitors is also welcoming. A white spiral staircase leads to the office and conference rooms of the three upper storeys, which surround the atrium on all sides.