From Name to Symbol

The surname «Burckhardt» appears in various spellings across the German-speaking world. However, the distinctive version with «ckdt» is closely tied to Basel and a patrician family traceable back to the 15th century. Two of its three founders lent their names to the architectural office: Martin H. Burckhardt and his father, Karl August Burckhardt-Koechlin. Over the firm’s 70-year history, its name has evolved three times, with Burckhardt remaining the enduring constant.

1951 Burckhardt Architekten SIA
1973 Burckhardt+Partner, Architekten und Generalplaner
1981 Burckhardt+Partner AG
2023 Burckhardt Architektur AG

The first rebranding to «Burckhardt+Partner, Architekten und Generalplaner» in 1973 followed an internal restructuring. A few years later, the firm’s first logo was created. Daniel Späti won an internal competition amongst the staff, and his design laid the foundation for the emblem that debuted in a modified form in 1979. The prominent plus sign was incorporated into a quartered circle, with each segment representing one of the firm’s core principles: «Function», «Form», «Cost» and «Time».

In 1981, the renowned Swiss economist Cuno Pümpin joined the firm as a partner to systematically develop its quality management system, building on the same four pillars of «Function», «Form», «Cost» and «Time». A professor at the University of St. Gallen, Pümpin pioneered the concept of Strategic Success Positions (Strategische Erfolgspositionen, SEP), now more commonly known as core competencies. His research demonstrated that a company’s prosperity often hinges on a few critical success factors that set it apart from competitors. Until the early 2000s, Burckhardt built its strategies, mission and vision around Pümpin’s SEPs. For more than four decades, the quartered circle defined the firm’s logo, even as typography, styling and design underwent periodic updates.

As part of the succession planning for outgoing CEO Samuel Schultze, Burckhardt embarked on an in-depth review of its organizational development in 2021, aiming to streamline processes and clarify responsibilities. This led to the decision in 2022 to restructure its various business units and subsidiaries. From «Burckhardt+Partner» emerged the umbrella brand «Burckhardt», encompassing three core divisions: «Burckhardt Architektur», «Burckhardt Immobilien» and «Burckhardt Entwicklungen». This restructuring introduced a clear and cohesive corporate identity, underpinned by a robust branding strategy. The new visual identity, with its consistent and streamlined design, effectively communicates the diverse expertise and capabilities of the multifaceted business group.

To this day, the name Burckhardt remains a powerful constant. The distinctive «ckdt» spelling is accentuated by an underline in the new logo, serving as a bold symbol of the firm’s long and successful history and its deep-rooted connection to Basel.