In August, we will be launching our new series of events in Schauraum B. More information will follow soon.
The housing shortage, rising rents, gentrification, displacement and tenant dispossession are buzzwords that are preoccupying our society more than ever. These issues are on everyone's lips, especially in the big cities. This is also the case in Basel, where new housing protection regulations have been in force since spring 2022 to counteract such developments. But how do we deal with rules, standards and regulations that are legally binding, shape the way we live together and influence the way we live together? After all, as part of our democracy, the establishment of legally binding regulations is not a novelty, but a binding agent of our coexistence. This is also the case in the field of construction and architecture. Standards structure, create order and provide a framework. However, regardless of whether regulations are imposed by the state or decrees issued by industry and professional organisations, standards are usually opposed by other influencing factors: safety considerations, land speculation or excessive consumption of resources are further complex influencing factors that have an impact on space and design. Also not to be forgotten: (legal) theory and (human) practice sometimes diverge, leaving gaps or provoking new questions that remain unanswered despite official standardisation. What can help in these situations? Logical common sense, sensitivity and experience. The world is changing faster and faster - but the standards have been created retrospectively from the past. How can we organise experiments and ensure that they do not prevent innovation?
This year's series of events in Schauraum B, which will present various events under the motto Dys_Regulating Architecture - 'How laws and norms regulate space', will take place in the field of tension between all these topics. Thanks to high-calibre speakers and various formats, we want to approach the topic from different perspectives and take a critical look at it. How are, can and should laws and standards follow the zeitgeist? How can contradictions between law and space be resolved? How much state intervention is necessary and where is liberal self-determination required? We will explore these and other questions with our speakers.
In search of answers and the joy of discourse, we invite you to visit this year's Schauraum B. As always, the events are free of charge. We look forward to seeing you there!