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Architecture During Art returns to Basel

26/06/2026

Architecture During Art returned to Basel with a conversation exploring longevity through architecture, design and contemporary culture.

During Art Basel week 2026, LAUFEN brought together leading voices from architecture, design and contemporary culture for a new edition of Architecture During Art, the symposium series exploring the relationship between design, architecture and society.

Hosted at Basel Social Club, this year's panel discussion, When Time Becomes Material, explored longevity beyond the notion of material durability. Instead, the conversation considered how architecture, products and everyday spaces evolve through use, adapt over time and contribute to wellbeing, cultural continuity and the values we choose to preserve.

Moderated by Christian Herren, the discussion featured Mike Meiré, Chus Martínez and Gabriele Chiave, who approached the topic from complementary perspectives spanning design, architecture, curatorial practice and cultural research.

Speakers

A panel talk with the participation of Mike Meiré, Chus Martínez, Gabriele Chiave, moderated by Christian Herren:

MIKE MEIRÉ

Mike Meiré works at the intersection of design, strategy, culture, and contemporary art. Since 1999, he has shaped the visual identity of brand eins as Art Director and influenced publications including 032c, ARCH+, and NZZ. Through the Cologne agency Meiré und Meiré, co-founded with his brother Marc, he develops projects for brands such as MINI, BMW, Telekom, Lamy and recently LAUFEN. His work ranges from communication to spaces, from products and publications to art practices.

CHUS MARTÍNEZ

Chus Martínez is a writer and curator, and Head of Institute Art Gender Nature HGK  Basel FHNW. She is curator of Ocean Space in Venice for TBA21–Academy, and curatorial director of der TANK in Basel. Previously she was Artistic Director of the 36th Ljubljana Biennale (2025) and curator of KölnSkulp­tur #9. Her books include Like This (2022), Corona Tales (2020), and Club Univers (2017). She was Head of Artistic Direction for DOCUMENTA (13) in Kassel.

GABRIELE CHIAVE

Gabriele Chiave is a designer whose work spans product design, interiors, branding, and innovation. As Creative Director of Marcel Wanders Studio he was leading the THE NEW CLASSIC collection for LAU­FEN. Formerly Global VP Creative Direction at Estée Lauder, he is now Creative Director and co-founder of Controvento.Gabriele has developed projects for brands including Alessi, Audi, Bentley, Fendi Casa, Flos, Mondrian and Tom Ford.

CHRISTIAN HERREN

Christian Herren is an interdisciplinary curator and creative director working across art, design, and research. In 2024 he curated the most comprehensive exhibition on Swiss design shown in China to date. He is editor of «E.A.T. Index» (JRP|Editions), co-initiated by Hans Ulrich Obrist. He coordinates the International Advisory Board of Kunsthaus Zürich and is preparing an exhibition on Walter De Maria at the Bechtler Stiftung, Uster.

Beyond the discussion itself, visitors experienced a wider programme of installations that expanded the symposium into the physical setting of Basel Social Club. 

Following its presentation during Milan Design Week 2026, Konstantin Grcic's installation for LAUFEN was presented within Basel Social Club. Conceived as an experiential space, the installation invited visitors to consider time not as an abstract concept but as something shaped through everyday rituals and the objects that accompany them.

Alongside this installation, LAUFEN supported States of Water, an immersive bathing experience conceived by riten.world for KEEN. Set within a garden landscape, the installation explored water, atmosphere and sensory perception through a sequence of spaces dedicated to bathing, rest and recovery. Three LAUFEN bathtubs formed part of the experience, reinforcing the dialogue between wellbeing, architecture and material culture.

Photos from the event