The 3rd FLY BY DESIGN program toured Basel during July 27-31, 2015. The highlights of the itinerary were the Foundation Beyeler, Vitra Campus, Notre Dame du Haut, a walking tour of Basel’s Old Town, as well as studio tours.
Basel is known as the city of culture for connoisseurs, with historic landmarks and over 40 museums mixed in with small boutiques. Nestled along the Rhine river, Basel is tradition-conscious and open-minded at the same time, with modern buildings designed by renowned architects. With it’s rich design history, Basel is perhaps Europe’s best kept secret.
Itinerary
Note that travel arrangements to/from Basel won’t be included, allowing participants to customize their time in Europe before or after FBD.
Monday July 27
- ARRIVE: Hotel Der Teufelhof
Centrally located in the Old Town, with all sights and museums within walking distance or easy to reach by public transportation, the Teufelhof Basel offers stylish accommodations and fine art and cuisine. Each of the Art rooms is furnished by renowned Swiss and Italian designers. - SOCIAL: The Bar & Café Zum Teufel
Housed in a historical setting highlighted with crystal and marble, this award-winning establishment is reminiscent of Paris St-Germain and is one of the most exciting bars in Basel. Reminiscent of Paris St-Germain. - DINNER: Atelier
Atelier offers state-of-art global cuisine, with ingredients from local suppliers and producers. Guests can actively participate in an artistic project – the concept on which the restaurant is based lives from and with its guests.
Tuesday July 28
- MORNING: Vitra Campus – Architecture Tour
Located in Weil am Rhein, the remarkable ensemble of contemporary architecture brings together the commercial and cultural aspects of the Swiss furniture manufacturer: for decades, the buildings designed by renowned architects have made the production site a magnet for fans of design and architecture from all over the world. - LUNCH: VitraHaus Café
The VitraHaus, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is Vitra’s flagship store and home to the Vitra Home Collection. The Café offers a regularly changing menu of fresh regional specialties. - AFTERNOON: Vitra Campus – Eames Production Experience, VitraHaus Showroom
- DINNER: Aqua
Situated between Heuwaage and zoo, in the old walls of a water plant. Enjoy simple and fresh Swiss-Italian cuisine with the Menu del giorno and vino da tavola. Rilassamento assoluto!
Wednesday July 29
- MORNING: Notre Dame du Haut (Ronchamp)
Located in the nearby french countryside, the Notre Dame du Haut is one of the finest examples of the architecture of Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier and one of the most important examples of twentieth-century religious architecture. - LUNCH: Le Marchal
- AFTERNOON: personal time to explore Basel
From wondering the medieval streets to window shopping in modern boutiques, there is much to see. Visit the Museum Tinguely, which contains a permanent exhibition of the works of Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely. Or perhaps visit the Kunsthalle that forms a vital part of Basel’s cultural centre. Other recommendations will be provided. - SOCIAL: private tram tour
Enjoy aperitifs while riding a private tram on the rails through this historic and beautiful city. - DINNER: on your own
Basel offers an endless section of world class dinning options and we have a few suggestions to guide you in the right direction.
Thursday July 30
- MORNING: Walking tour of Altstadt (Old Town)
Experience a memorable overview of the history of Basel as well as comprehensive information on the city’s essential sights and architectural highlights. Discover picturesque sites and places of interest, including the historic City Hall, the Cathedral, and the historic centre. - LUNCH: Volkhaus Brasserie
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the architecture of the Brasserie combines classic brasserie-style elements with unique design touches and adheres to the warmth and generosity of a beer hall. The combination of tradition and modernity also defines the range of head chef Benjamin Mohr, who dares to bridge the gap between simplicity and something a bit more special. - AFTERNOON: Exclusive studio tours
More information coming soon… - DINNER: The Restaurant Fischerstube
The Restaurant Fischerstube is a cozy traditional brewery restaurant located in the heart of the old town of lower Basel (Kleinbasel) – just a few meters away from the River Rhine. From the restaurant you can watch the brewers at work in the In-house brewery while enjoying a home made Ueli-beer fresh from the barre l. A tour of the brewery will precede dinner.
Friday July 31
- MORNING: FLY BY DESIGN concludes
Depart Basel or continue on your own.