Dichtelust, Basel , 2019

  • Photo of the exhibition

    © Tom Bisig

  • Photo of the exhibition

    © Tom Bisig

  • Photo of the exhibition

    © Tom Bisig

  • Photo of the exhibition

    © Tom Bisig

  • Flyer of the exhibition

    © S AM

In Switzerland, the concept of density has noticeably negative connotations and is often used to provoke fear. Political campaigns with images of old towns overrun by high-rise buildings illustrate an alleged ‘proximity stress’ (Dichtestress) and make balanced discussion impossible. The exhibition ‘Dichtelust – Forms of Urban Coexistence in Switzerland’ refutes these irrational arguments and demonstrates the real meaning of density: the thoughtful and compact utilisation of buildable territory. It examines different forms of historical density and contemporary redensification.