/ News, Campus / Xiomara Banholzer
New DBM Building – A Facade Reflecting Innovation
With the arrival of spring, the new building of the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) at the University of Basel is starting to take shape: the installation of its glass facade is now underway. The facade is more than just the outer shell of the building – it has been designed to reflect the spirit of research, innovation, and advanced technology that will define the work taking place inside.
A defining feature of the facade is its 2039 electrochromic glass panes. This innovative smart glass can automatically darken in several stages when exposed to sunlight, helping to regulate daylight levels and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This solution was chosen deliberately to ensure that building users can enjoy an unobstructed view outside, even on bright, sunny days. Unlike conventional shading systems, such as fabric blinds, which block the view, this system preserves the openness and visual connection to the surrounding city. At the same time, the building does not appear as a shielded element in the urban space. Instead, it conveys the impression of a "lantern" due to its transparency and openness, as the architects described.
Before the final decision was made, the glass was tested with the building's future users. Particular attention was paid to color accuracy and visual comfort, especially with regard to screen visibility and color perception, both of which are essential in laboratory and research environments.
More than a technical solution, the facade reflects the purpose of the building itself. Its innovative glass technology symbolizes the research and scientific progress that will be conducted within the new Department of Biomedicine. The glass elements are framed by an anodized aluminum structure in a striking shade of green. This design is reminiscent of industrial and technical architecture, emphasizing the building's technical complexity and engineering character.
As the facade begins to rise, the new DBM building is starting to show not only what it will look like, but what it is designed to support: cutting-edge biomedical research.
Construction Status
The structural shell of the new DBM building is complete. Facade work is currently underway and will continue until autumn 2026. Meanwhile, building services, electrical installations, and interior construction are progressing at full speed. The model laboratory is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Currently, up to 100 workers are active on the construction site each day.