The Swiss municipality of Birsfelden is moving forward with ambitious plans for a second high-rise tower designed by renowned Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron. This new 86-meter residential tower will stand alongside another planned skyscraper, marking a significant step in the community's efforts to revitalize its urban landscape and attract new residents.
Birsfelden has experienced turbulent months recently, gaining European headlines due to automatic traffic control systems in residential neighborhoods that resulted in a flood of traffic fines. This rigorous measure can be interpreted as part of a broader restart strategy for the community, which has struggled for years with through-traffic problems that have diminished its attractiveness as a Basel suburb while creating financial difficulties.
The municipality aims to break free from this downward spiral through several major construction projects designed to attract high-income taxpayers. Two architectural landmarks are planned directly along the main street, sending a strong signal that Birsfelden is ready for a fresh start. Mayor Christof Hiltmann presented the latest plans for the high-rise at Birsstegweg on Thursday, with the project being developed by Tierstein AG, a real estate company based in Frick.
The proposed tower will rise 86 meters into the sky, built on three base structures. This special architectural design will create numerous open spaces beneath the residential tower for a park-like development, while the existing Coop supermarket will remain at the location but be expanded and moved underground. Through the Prisma neighborhood plan, the municipality aims to pursue high-quality internal development.
The new tower will essentially serve as a twin to an immediately adjacent planned high-rise, also designed by renowned Basel architects Christ & Gantenbein. At 101 meters, this landmark building, which is already further along in the planning process, will be even taller than the Herzog & de Meuron design. While construction planning is already underway for one high-rise, the Herzog & de Meuron project still requires voter approval.
According to Tierstein real estate company, the Prisma neighborhood plan tower will contain between 160 and 180 apartments in various price segments. An underground parking garage with 128 spaces is planned, and the entire area will feature 400 bicycle parking spots. The project also includes the Haus Birsstegweg residential facility, operated by an organization that provides homes for chronically ill and physically disabled individuals.
The development will make the Birs riverbank accessible to the public and transform it into a natural park area. Birsfelden residents can now provide feedback on the project until the end of January, with the municipal assembly scheduled to vote on the neighborhood plan in summer 2026. The investors hope to realize the construction project within a timeframe of three to five years, representing a major investment in the community's future development and economic recovery.
