Grand Casino Baden

In 2001 the city casino of Baden (Stadtcasino Baden) successfully applied for a permit for operating a grand casino with this lavish rebuilding project. Construction work was completed in June 2002, and the grand casino was opened in early July 2002.

The city casino has a history that started in the 19th century and is linked with the spa of Baden. The prestigious historical building was constructed between 1873 and 1875 on the basis of the plans of architect Robert Moser from Baden. Catering facilities and possibilities for playing for money were offered right from the beginning. In the early 20th century, gambling was added. In the thirties, this was replaced by boule as a result of the constitutional prohibition of gambling and the law. It became a main element of the traditional spa hall business.

The spa hall of Baden was rebuilt on several occasions: in 1931/32 by architect Lebrecht Völkl (removal of the old cupola) and in 1953 by Hans Hofmann (redesign of the city hall). In the years from 1986 to 1988, architects Werner Egli and Hans Rohr from Baden added new semi-circular extensions and a lobby.

The extensive rebuild into a grand casino that has now been completed was designed by architects Pinazza+Schwarz from Baden and the interior design of the grands jeux (table games) and gambling machines sections by German architects Günter Merckle and Rainer M. Kresing. Construction work was managed by the general contractor Gianesi+Hofmann AG from Zumikon, Switzerland. Burckhardt+Partner Bern were entrusted with the project management (resident architects).

The rebuilds essentially comprised the incorporation of a second basement level for housing the domestic engineering installations, the conversion of the existing first basement level into the new gambling machines casino, the rebuild of the former city hall into the new grands jeux section, the redesign of the lobby plus the adjustment of the necessary infrastructure (kitchen, administration, cloakrooms and toilets).

This construction task was extremely complex and novel for everyone involved. It therefore demanded very close and smooth collaboration between the client, the project management, the planners, the various other specialists and the general contractor. The project was successful and enriching in all respects. We are proud of this jointly achieved result!