An Indoor Trail as an Architectural Experience
In the heart of Basel SBB railway station, Transa has opened a new chapter in brick-and-mortar retail – and Aroma was responsible for designing the spatial concept. Spread across four floors and around 2,300 square meters, a place was created where outdoor is not only sold but truly experienced.
The centerpiece of the new store is the Transa Trail – Switzerland’s first indoor treetop path. What is usually reserved for hiking regions and nature parks has found its way into the urban environment: a multi-level wooden walkway that connects the floors while serving as both a functional and emotional highlight.
The trail leads across platforms, suspension bridges, and test stations – for example, for shoes or binoculars – and invites visitors to pause in relaxation zones such as the “chill net.” Sound showers and a children’s slide are also planned to complete the experience.
“Our goal was not simply to design a sales area, but to create a space that makes Transa’s outdoor DNA physically tangible,” explains Yves Thommen, Managing Director Aroma Architecture.
The concept makes targeted use of the station’s architectural height to create a dramaturgy of discovery: visible from the passerelle, the trail sparks curiosity and draws visitors into the space. Wood, as the central material, emphasizes proximity to nature and creates a sense of warmth within the urban context.
In addition to the trail, Transa’s new location offers a comprehensive rental and repair station, a Patagonia shop-in-shop, and a wide range of mountain and winter sports equipment. As a result, Basel becomes a strong hub for outdoor experiences – right in the city center.
