Zurich – The development of Zurich’s central university district is one step closer to becoming reality. Area planning is now largely complete, and a new study shows how the open spaces between the buildings could be used.
The university district is located in the heart of city, a
knowledge and health cluster consisting of the University of Zurich
(UZH), the University Hospital Zurich
(USZ) and the Federal Institute of
Technology (ETH) in Zurich. The proximity of
these institutions offers good opportunities for intensive
cooperation. However, the infrastructure of the university district
has reached its capacity and needs to be expanded.
At the end of August, the city’s Building Department set out
the three cantonal design plans: USZ Core Area East, USZ/ETH
Schmelzberg site, and UZH Wässerwies. Subject to three appeals
submitted, the planning phase has now been completed.
An urban space concept has also now
been developed in collaboration with the research institutions as
well as the city and the canton of Zurich. It shows how the spaces
between the new buildings can be enhanced. For instance,
longitudinal and cross-connections should be used to improve the
connection from the university district to the surrounding
neighbourhoods, while space for parks and terraces should remain
open. There should also be space for public use, such as forums,
libraries, kiosks and cafeterias.
The urban space concept is now be further developed in a white
paper, which sets out principles that should be taken into account
during architectural competitions for the individual construction
projects.
An information stand in the heart of the university district
is now open to provide information on the Zurich central university
district project. It showcases the different projects and
their current status, the cooperation between the institutions as
well as the urban space.