The S AM Swiss Architecture Museum is the leading institution in the mediation of contemporary architecture in Switzerland. Centrally located and in the immediate vicinity of numerous other cultural institutions, S AM invigorates and shapes Switzerland's architectural discourse with its programme, and seeks to bridge the gap between professional discourse and the wider public. Being situated in Basel is no coincidence, as the city of Basel has developed to become the centre of Swiss cultural and architectural discourse. As one of the most important European architectural centres, Basel has an abundance of outstanding classic modernist and contemporary structures. The city's unique location, right on the border with Germany and France, facilitates cross-border connections and international exchange. S AM has specialised in temporary exhibitions. With an average of 4 exhibitions each year, oriented towards the key programme elements "interdisciplinarity" and "history and the present", S AM appeals to professionals (architects, engineers and planners), but also, primarily, to a broad public with an interest in architecture. The exhibitions' content is reflected on and supplemented by means of guided tours, podium discussions, talks, workshops, work presentations, accompanying publications from the S AM series etc. In addition to the exhibitions, S AM also fulfils its function as a specialist platform for exchange and networking.