In organizing the Volta Ost competition, the canton of Basel-Stadt sought a solution for the creation of contemporary, cost-efficient living accommodation. The principle formulated by the basel mathematician Johann Jakob Balmer as early as 1850 that "the economy of construction is dictated by the lines of the floorplan" still applies today. The straightforward design concept and clear arrangement of axes inherent in the proposals were firmly in the tradition of the rational style of architecture typical of basel and held the promise of cost-efficient construction. In the search for a rigorously crafted architectural solution, the contemporary application of the 150-year-old principle delivered a satisfyingly coherent ensemble. We acted as the architect's discussion partner during the competition.