Stadttheater Basel Commemorative Architecture Catalog, 1977 [Armin Hofmann]

Stadttheater Basel, Catalog, 1977. Hans Luder, Kantonsbaumeister, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Baudepartement. 8.25 x 8.25, pp. 84, German text. Designed by Kurt Pauletto-Grob (1933–2023). Printed in Basel, Switzerland.

This commemorative catalog was published shortly following the construction of the new municipal theater in Basel, Switzerland (1969–1975), designed by Swiss architects Felix Schwarz & Rolf Gutmann.

The catalog includes multiple texts related to the building's history, new architectural concept and unique features (i.e. roof, stage, interiors, exterior spaces, auditorium, etc.) authored by the directors of the theatre’s construction, education and finance departments as well as multiple architects and engineers. Texts are illustrated with architectural models, drawings/blueprints and engineering diagrams, maps with associated legends as well as black and white and color photos showcasing performances, exterior views, interior spaces and some lettering/signage by Armin Hofmann (and Rudolf Reinhard).

Excellent photographs by: Christian Baur, Ludwig Bernauer, Walter Grunder, Alexander von Steiger, and Peter Stöckli. The cover of the catalog features a photo of the theater building, with its unique, irregular shape, along with Armin Hoffman’s distinctive logo from 1959.

A very good softcover glossy catalog. Light handling to some pages with a few faint scratches to the photographic covers including a tiny tear on the upper-left corner and a light bend on the lower-right corner.