The new building for the Sports and Health Department of the University of Basel integrates itself into the prominent neighbourhood of the public sports facilities of St. Jakob in a relaxed, subtle and self-evident way. At the core of the project is the open lobby with the the access to the deeper part of the building. This attractive outdoor area retraces the stepping of the ceiling of the auditorium that lays beneath it. It has an inviting quality and thus becomes the iconic feature of the new institution. The height of the structure adapts to the existing surroundings and offers potential for the subsequent building of an indoor swimming facility. The ground floor is open for public access while the upper floor is designed for research and underground lays a triple gymnasium.