The Gleispool project, managed by the architectural firm Malheur&Fortuna GmbH, aims to transform a railway ramp in Basel’s Dreispitz area into a 100-meter pool while simultaneously creating a multifunctional urban space. Designed for year-round use, it seeks to foster community involvement and integrate diverse user groups. The challenge lies in developing innovative operational models that balance public accessibility, financial sustainability, and local benefits, ensuring the Gleispool becomes an exciting addition to the Dreispitz area.

The project combined qualitative and quantitative research methods. We analyzed 15 case studies of similar facilities in Switzerland and abroad, conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with facility operators and stakeholders, and performed a detailed trade zone analysis of businesses within a 1-kilometer radius of the site. Using these insights, we developed three distinct operational concepts—fully public, semi-private, and fully private—using the Business Model Canvas framework.

By systematically addressing the research questions, three applicable operational concepts were developed for the client. These include a fully public model which places as public benefit above all else; a semi-private model which balances public benefit with premium offerings; and a fully private model which, while still providing tremendous value to the public, focus primarily on premium offerings and revenue generation. These models are described in depth using insights gained from operators of swimming facilities both locally and abroad. In addition to their value in creating the operational concepts, these interviews provide the client with further insights that will continually help position the project for success, even once an operational concept has been selected. Finally, this project aims to provide the client, and other urban developers, with a framework for success in the implementation of other sustainable urban redevelopments.