A new spatial concept is intended to guide growth in a more targeted manner
From Urbanistica’s perspective, the “Switzerland 2050 Spatial Concept” contains important elements. These include Switzerland’s polycentric structure, the strengthening of interconnected centers, and the concept of “spaces of action.” However, in its statement, the Association for Good Urban Planning describes the concept as too vague.
Urbanistica welcomes the updated version of the Spatial Concept Switzerland 2050 developed by the federal government, cantons, cities, and municipalities. In its statement, the Association for Good Urban Planning notes that this version is significantly more concrete than the consultation draft from December 2024. It also views this as a response to Urbanistica’s Spatial Strategy Switzerland 2070.
Urbanistica specifically highlights the commitment by the sponsors of the Spatial Concept Switzerland 2050 to a polycentric Switzerland. Future growth should primarily strengthen and make the largest, large, medium, and smaller centers more attractive. This would allow for better utilization of existing transportation infrastructure. The spatial concept also advocates for thinking and planning in action areas and the strengthening of planning regions.
Nevertheless, Urbanistica does not yet consider the Spatial Concept Switzerland 2050 to be concrete enough. It also avoids politically sensitive trade-offs.
Urbanistica therefore once again refers to its own Spatial Strategy 2070. This strategy focuses on the densification and urbanization of well-connected locations, including an incentive system to support this, on decentralization and the strengthening of regions, on urban planning and development—including within agglomerations—as well as on development areas and flexible special-use zones. A pragmatic strategy for dealing with green spaces is also needed. Planning instruments must be streamlined and made more flexible to allow for experimentation. Regional planning must be able to extend beyond administrative boundaries. Urbanistica has also put forward ten recommendations for action to implement these measures.