Urban Transformation for Future Sustainability: Densification Scenario Analysis of Case Study in Altstetten-Albisrieden, Zurich
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Date
2024-06
Publication Type
Other Conference Item
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yes
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Abstract
The concomitant of rapid population growth and urban development has confronted the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the natural environment. It unveils a complex interplay between the quest for increased spatial efficiency and the imperative to create sustainable and liveable urban environments. As a result, the majority of the voting population of Switzerland agreed that densification needs to be established as a legally binding policy objective, requiring cities to develop inwardly within their existing boundaries in order to create more housing and job positions. The challenge is evident as a projected around 23% resident population increase upon the existing urban area in Zurich without compromising the high quality of living. An urban planning strategy for densifying the city is imminent.
The study collaborates with the City of Zurich and searches for strategies and approaches to urban densification and transformation in the context of Zurich. It generates densification scenarios based on a real case of Altstetten-Albisrieden, Zurich, a district that very well represents the social and geographic situation of the city. The district has comparatively low population density and indicates excellent potential for accommodating future population growth.
The study has created eight scenarios to identify influential factors and their impact on social and environmental perspectives. These scenarios cover the situations of complete rebuilding, partial redevelopment, and building retrofits. The feasibility of each scenario is evaluated in accordance with the baseline of building densification requirements, the latest Building and Zoning Plan of Zurich (BZO 2016), and building features, such as development year and structure types, and further indicates possible challenges and strategies.
The scenario analysis results propose the pivotal role of green spaces near buildings, as they impact the microclimate of the whole area and the availability of community green spaces. To maintain the current resident-share ratio of these green spaces, new developments must be built in a compact manner. Therefore, building typology designs with more green surfaces are crucial, and the inclusion of greenery elements like rooftop gardens and green facades should be encouraged. In addition, the main concern is to increase the green surface plot ratio (GsPR) for each redevelopment. The specified minimum open space for each parcel is not enough; there should be clear limitations on the green surface plot ratio to promote the growth of green spaces around buildings in the zoning and building regulations.
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published
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Editor
Book title
Book of Abstracts of the International Conference on Changing Cities VI
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
346 - 346
Publisher
University of Thessaly, Department of Planning and Regional Development, Laboratory of Urban Morphology & Design
Event
6th International Conference on Changing Cities: Spatial, Design, Landscape, Heritage and Socio-Economic Dimensions
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Densification; Urban transformation; Scenario analysis; Altstetten-Albisrieden; Zurich
Organisational unit
03696 - Menz, Sacha / Menz, Sacha
08060 - FCL / FCL
Notes
Conference lecture held on June 28, 2024.