Event
A Day at LAUFEN – Architecture During Art Basel 2025
Exploring Design as Cultural Dialogue: MAWD at LAUFEN’s Architecture During Art
Last week, MAWD’s Design Director Jane Maciver joined LAUFEN for their Architecture During Art symposium — a two-day architectural and cultural immersion set against the vibrant backdrop of Art Basel 2025. Hosted at LAUFEN’s Swiss headquarters and the Basel fairgrounds, the experience offered a profound look at how architecture, design, and material innovation intersect with societal and environmental narratives.
Headquartered in Laufen, Switzerland, LAUFEN is a leader in high-end bathroom solutions, part of the ROCA Group, the brand has become synonymous with sophisticated, design-forward environments that serve both aesthetic and functional demands. A guided tour through LAUFEN’s state-of-the-art production facilities and Forum showcased the craftsmanship behind their iconic ceramic work, including a preview of their new VOLTA series—a sculptural and minimalist approach to bathroom design that speaks to timeless materiality and intuitive form.
Following the tour, guests gathered for an intimate lunch at Brasserie Volkshaus, one of Basel’s most iconic design destinations by Herzog & de Meuron, before reconvening for the symposium. The Architecture During Art panel brought together Yves Béhar, Amy Perkins, and Daniele Santucci, who addressed the urgent question: How can architecture respond to climate stress, institutional shifts, and social inequality?
For Jane, the discussion’s emphasis on collective agency and cultural infrastructure resonated deeply — reflecting MAWD’s own ethos of designing spaces that foster inclusion, emotional connection, and long-term relevance.
On day two, the group visited the Art Basel fair, where curated guided tours provided further perspective on how design continues to evolve at the intersection of art, innovation, and storytelling. A special thank you to the LAUFEN team for such an immersive and timely experience — one that deeply aligns with MAWD’s commitment to design that is both culturally intelligent and socially aware.
