We place great importance on multifaceted usage and sustainability combined with an architectural approach that is sensitive to local conditions.
We create buildings of intrinsic value, from a simple shelter to a modern new hospital, from the first concept sketch to a defect-free handover. Tailored to the needs and wants of our customers, consistently sustainable and compelling in terms of economy and design.
Our project portfolio covers virtually every area of structural engineering. We are particularly experienced in construction for the healthcare, industrial, retail, residential and government sectors.
What architectural services does Rapp offer?
As experienced architects in Basel, we offer architectural services for all aspects of building construction. These include all stages, from the first sketches to a smooth handover. The scope of the building to be designed is not important – our extensive portfolio ranges from simple shelters to modern office buildings.
Naturally, we take into account the wishes and ideas of our clients, as they will be the ones who are using the building. Their satisfaction with the result is of the utmost importance.
We use the varied options offered by the BIM method in our planning activities. BIM stands for building information modelling. BIM models create a better understanding for those involved, especially in light of the increasing complexity of today’s buildings and their requirements. We pair our expertise at Rapp with today's digital opportunities to plan the buildings our customers want.
We place special value on constructing sustainable buildings that are also attractive and economical.
How long has Rapp offered architectural services?
The history of the Rapp Company starts in 1896 and has continued for more than 125 years. It begins with Joachim Rapp, a trained carpenter running a construction firm. In July of 1896, his sons Wilhelm and Joachim took over the business.
The first architects joined Rapp’s newly formed structural engineering department in 1987. But we didn’t just hire architects: we also sought out environmental engineers, computer scientists and other professionals to enhance and expand our portfolio in the 1990s. The experience that we have accumulated since then benefits you as the client. As architects in Basel, we apply modern methods to a variety of projects.
How has Basel’s architecture changed over time?
As in every other major city, the architecture in Basel has changed over the years. The city now has a mix of historical and modern buildings.
The world-famous Basel Minster, for example, was consecrated in 1019 and construction was completed in 1500. The architecture of Basel shows the influence of different cultural and historical epochs. Its many modern structures include the 68-metre-high Lonza building, constructed in 1962 and at one time the tallest building in Basel.
Contemporary forms can also be seen in the Messeturm and the Biozentrum tower. These bear witness to the fact that the architecture of Basel is constantly evolving. And Basel is now home to the tallest high-rise building in Switzerland – Roche Tower 2 is 205 metres high and surpasses Tower 1 by 26 metres.
Internationally renowned architects have also left their mark in Basel. For example, the Gehry Building, designed for Novartis Pharma AG by Frank Gehry. Rapp was involved in the project as a local architectural firm. The Euregio Building was designed by Richard Meier.
Basel’s architecture has many faces. And a look at our references will show that several of the city’s buildings were designed and executed by Rapp. These include the new Helvetia Campus, planned in cooperation with Herzog & de Meuron from 2014 to 2023. We also carried out conversion and renovation work on the Basler Kantonalbank’s head office between 2011 and 2013.
What services do Basel architects offer?
Architects in Basel primarily work in the planning and design of buildings. They create projects according to customer wishes and coordinate with numerous professionals in other areas, for example with statisticians and urban planners.
At Rapp, creating the plans is only the beginning. We can provide a full range of additional services on request, such as initial site analyses, renovations, urban design and general planning. We oversee the entire construction project as part of the general planning. We take on all tasks for which we are qualified. We engage reliable partners for all other activities.
General planning represents an invaluable asset for our clients. Answers do not have to be sought by consulting different companies – instead, we act as your single point of contact. We are there for you if you need information. As general contractor, it is also our responsibility to ensure that all work is carried out properly.
We can help you with traffic planning, energy management and logistics optimisation as well. If you have any questions about our many services, please contact us. You can reach us by telephone at our ten locations in Switzerland and Germany. You can also email us to set up an appointment for an initial consultation, for instance.
