Jakob Park Stadium, home to FC Basel, has undergone renovations to extend its lifespan after two decades of use. Originally designed by Herzog & De Meuron, the architectural update focuses on reorganizing circulation routes and enhancing security measures. This allows the stadium to remain accessible to the public even on non-match days, providing improved services for visitors. Additionally, the plan replaces the iconic facade with a wide, unified roof that presents a cohesive appearance and enables live match broadcasts to be displayed to outside audiences.
Built in 2001 to replace the 1950s stadium, this sports venue accommodates 35,600 spectators. It serves not only as the home ground for the Basel football team but also as a central landmark within the city’s sports district. Situated adjacent to St. Jakobshalle Stadium, the renovated plaza between these two venues is designed to become a vibrant gathering space for fans and visitors alike. The expansion of terraced seating optimizes visitor flow, with dedicated pathways separating home and away supporters. Furthermore, reducing safety barriers enables public access even when no events are scheduled.
To preserve the value of the existing structure, Herzog & De Meuron incorporated photovoltaic outer frames that unify the building’s appearance. New lattice beams extend from the original roof to the existing framework and are suspended from a new platform. The photovoltaic facade recreates iconic Basel landmarks such as the City Hall and cathedral roofs through intricate diamond patterns, featuring the club’s red and blue colors. This dynamic facade also functions as a large public screen for live broadcasts.
The renovation project emphasizes ecological sustainability. The photovoltaic facade generates energy primarily for the stadium’s own use, and its components are designed for easy disassembly and reuse. The solar roof has been structurally optimized to reduce material consumption while collecting rainwater for irrigating the sports field below.
Herzog & De Meuron remarked on this renovation, stating: “’Joggeli’ (the stadium’s nickname) belongs to the city, its fans, and tourists.” Their commitment to enhancing customer experience through architecture is also reflected in their proposal for a heavy timber mixed-use development in Austin, Texas, which offers a human scale and family-friendly comfort for residents and passersby. Additionally, Herzog & De Meuron has collaborated with OMA and Elemental to design three new museums in Qatar, which explore Middle Eastern and Islamic art through expansive gallery spaces, libraries, auditoriums, and other public amenities.
Project Information
Project Name: Basel Football Club Stadium, Switzerland
Designer: Herzog & De Meuron
Year: 2022
Project Type: Renovation
Location: Switzerland
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