Brunnmatt Schulhaus, Basel © Karin Bürki/HEARTBRUT. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

Brunnmatt School

Words & Photography: Karin Bürki

Words & Photography: Karin Bürki

Still fresh

The primary school in Basel’s Gundeli quarter comprises a main wing, sports hall, assembly hall, kindergarten and outdoor play areas. Clever landscaping helps the striking combination of school and sculpture blend in harmoniously with the residential neighbourhood. The distinctive style later became the trademark of Walter Maria Förderer. A sculptor turned architect, he designed some of Switzerland’s boldest brutalist churches and was the creative force behind the pioneering architecture of HSG University.

After two carefully executed refurbishments, Brunnmatt looks as fresh and pristine as ever. The complex remains a textbook example of how to treat postwar concrete with due respect and care.
The sculptural concrete school is based on Förderer, Otto and Zwimpfer’s pioneering design for Neumatt secondary school in nearby Aesch, completed in 1962.

© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut

© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut

Goetheanum, Rudolf Steiner, Dornach, 1924-1928, Swiss Brutalism, © Karin Bürki/Heartbrut. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
101120-FLAMATT-I-©-HEARTBRUT-KARINBUERKI-1
Hochhaus zur Palme High-Rise, Haefeli Moser Steiger, Zurich, 1955-1964, Swiss Brutalism, © Karin Bürki/Heartbrut. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
Hardbruecke Bridge, Zurich, © Karin Bürki/Heartbrut. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

Stay up to speed with our latest updates, new arrivals, special events and seasonal treats. We respect your sanity and privacy.

By signing up you take note of our privacy policy

Scroll to Top