A new home for the social sciences: Start of construction at the “Alte Gewerbeschule”

With the planned consolidation of the Department of Social Sciences at the Alte Gewerbeschule (old trade school) at Petersgraben 52, the University of Basel is moving closer to its goal of turning the area around the main building into a center for the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences.

Extensive renovation

To ensure that the historical building meets the requirements of a modern university, a comprehensive renovation and spatial redesign are planned. The aim is to preserve the structural fabric while at the same time modernizing the technical infrastructure.

A new library is being built beneath the inner courtyard and an attractive outdoor space will be created on the mezzanine floor. The construction work also includes earthquake reinforcement and energy efficiency measures. Once the renovation is complete, the Alte Gewerbeschule will be fully accessible and open to the public.

Move-in date in summer 2029

The property is owned by the Canton of Basel-Stadt. The full renovation, in which the city canton is investing around CHF 63 million, is being carried out by a general planner on behalf of the cantonal building and transport department (BVD). Once the work is complete – which is expected to occur in spring 2029 – the building will be leased to the University of Basel. The university units are scheduled to move in in summer 2029.

During construction, the bus stop in front of the Alte Gewerbeschule will be removed and replaced by a temporary stop on Spalenvorstadt. The stop on the opposite side of the road will remain in place.

Eight subject areas under one roof

The Department of Social Sciences is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and comprises the eight subject areas of ethnology, gender studies, cultural anthropology, sustainability research, Near and Middle Eastern studies, political science, sociology and urban studies. In addition, there is the Center for African Studies, which is affiliated with the faculty, as well as the department’s central services and the Graduate School of Social Sciences.

These subject areas are currently spread over seven locations. Concentrating them on the Petersplatz campus will facilitate academic exchange, enable shared use of central functions and make operations more efficient.

Historical building

Built between 1890 and 1893 in the German Renaissance Revival style, the Alte Gewerbeschule is located in the old town conservation area. The renovation will therefore be carried out in close coordination with the cantonal monument preservation authorities.