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It is the goal of MCH Group to stabilise by suitable constructional measures the organization of its own exhibition portfolio and in particular the one of the World Watch and Jewellery Show BASELWORLD annually taking place in Basel. In view of the appropriate requirements, the architects Herzog & de Meuron – in close co-operation with the MCH Group Management and the Cantonal Authorities – developed the modernisation project.

Following transformations are central in this project:
• an extension of Hall 1 with three exhibition floors (ground floor and two upper floors) replacing the existing "head-end structure";
•  hall complex with three exhibition floors (ground floor and two upper floors) replacing today's Hall 3, with a multi-functional "event hall" situated in the ground floor as replacement for the large reception hall in today's "head-end structure";
• a connection of the new hall complexes 1 and 3 by a two-storey superstructure over the Exhibition Square (two upper floors) creating an open ground area with two separate entrances to the new hall complexes and available (as "City Lounge") for various other uses.

Fulfilment of all requirements and needs

The project at hand fulfils all exhibition operational requirements and official concerns. After its realization, MCH Group will have a gross exhibition surface of 141,000 square meters at its disposal. These are 20,000 square meters less than today; this reduction of the gross exhibition surface is compensated however by the increase in surface available for multi-storey stand constructions.

One of the most important requirements fulfilled by the project is the increased compactness of the area – with large connected exhibition surfaces – permitting substantially increased management flexibility for the organization of parallel events or for the arrangement of different sectors within an exhibition. The compactness and the covering of the Exhibition Square will also improve visitors’ comfort.

The project also considers public needs by sparing the "Rosental" area. With the public covered area under the overbuilt Exhibition Square, a "City Lounge" will be created providing a centre of attraction and a meeting place pepping up the Exhibition Square and even revaluating the Clarastrasse. Furthermore, this area will offer interesting opportunities for the Autumn Fair disposing by then of a new accommodation in the new Hall 1.

With the clear and neat structure of the new construction volume, the architects respond to the urban context. Both upper floors contrast with the ground floor that offers multiple transparencies adapting to versatile functions. Both upper floors are twisted towards each other and in each other. Apart from their well defined horizontal structure, both upper floor facades react to the light leaks and reflections of their neighbourhood.