Under pressure to grow
Switzerland is under pressure to grow, space is scarce. How can a higher building density be achieved if, at the same time, building cultural qualities are to be preserved and newly created? This and other questions are explored in the latest issue of the magazine Heimatschutz/Patrimoine.
The problem is recognised: More people who at the same time want more and more living space per capita. According to the Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland will have exactly 10,015,400 inhabitants by 2040. Space is in short supply. Solutions for sustainable and quality settlement development are neither simple nor can they be realised in the short term.
In his article, Andres Herzog, architect and editor of the magazine Hochparterre, uses examples from the city, agglomeration and village to show how higher density is possible while at the same time preserving and creating new architectural qualities. Balz Halter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halter AG, emphasises the importance of urban planning across parcels. In the interview, economist and happiness researcher Mathias Binswanger pleads for moderation and thus less living space per capita. But he also states clearly: without growth we will run straight into the crisis.
For decades we have practised building on greenfield sites. This was easy and fast, especially in times of low interest rates. The consequences in space are obvious and painful. We have to get away from this culture of building. Densification does not mean tabula rasa. Building in the existing fabric, i.e. building and maintaining where many people already live and feel comfortable, is the new discipline. Quality inner development will become the standard for all building and planning offices. This
this also includes a mindful approach to buildings and open spaces that are worthy of protection, because in the best case scenario this creates more desire for density.