Category: Regions

New elementary school and gym

The new elementary school will be built in an area that is now the soccer field, playground and kindergarten. The name of the project that won the first prize for design
and that sees as head of the Bonetti and Bonetti architects studio in collaboration with the architect Fabio Regazzoni is «Pivot», for the specifications described below.

The project manages to precisely organize a now rather fragmented space that is intelligently reconfigured thanks to a convincing arrangement of volumes that can create high-quality public spaces.

The intent of the designers was to reaffirm the public value of the sector and restore correct relationships with the large scale of the landscape (the “promontory” with the church and the great)
free noro in the west) and with the small scale of the more immediate context: the network of pedestrian paths towards the hill, the kindergarten and the core, the slope in the north.

The project
The fitness studio building on Kantonsstrasse announces the public sector and acts as a fulcrum – a “fulcrum” – between the two proposed reference areas: the arrival area with parking spaces and the one in relation to the large emptiness of the ground floor, that houses the school square.

The new primary school, more distant and more discreet, redesigns the foot of the promontory on which the Kindergarten and the Church of S. Biagio are located, while the new urban warehouses help complete the eastern front of the arrival square and form a fifth towards it the private buildings near the competition site.

The long and narrow building of the new school extends over two levels and, thanks to its low height, offers a clear view of the core and the church.

The school square offers a generous horizontal area that extends over the entire length of the site from north to south. The paved play area and a green area that is open for various purposes find their place in this room. A pedestrian ramp leads to the kindergarten in the direction of the hill to the north.

The high school building, which looks like a structure suspended from eight columns, is organized on two levels to respond to different needs: that of the football club on the ground floor and that of the school in the basement. The decision to bury the gym limits the volumetric impact of the construction while allowing a harmonious relationship with the school and the adjacent schools
Centon canton road. This volume with a sleek and abstract language enters into a dialogue with the size of the landscape and against the backdrop of the Magliaso promontory dominated by the church of San Biagio.

The building is expressed in a powerful structure that lifts a roof to reveal part of the ground floor to the public. This creates a spacious portico in which the football bar and access to the fitness studio are located. In the basement there is the gym, changing rooms, storage rooms and all contents closely related to the gym.

The city warehouses are located on the eastern edge of the arrivals area. The building consists of a simple volume that directs its entrances to the square in continuity with the existing one. The vehicle is accessed via an independent connection to the cantonal road.

The school consists of a repeating reinforced concrete structure that defines a modular opening into which a window is inserted, made up of a large solid glass element and a narrow opening panel. The frames are made of metal.

Energy considerations – Minergie
In view of the large areas of glass and the heavy presence of people, a system with full air heating and internal temperature control was proposed. The calf
Passive heat due to the strong presence of people, devices and, to a small extent, the solar contribution makes a significant contribution to compensating for the total heat losses. In the summer months, solar heat can be disadvantageous and requires careful balancing and control, which is achieved through a low energy transfer factor of the glass (g <0.30) and controlled sun protection according to the orientation of the facades and solar radiation.

The project includes covering with photovoltaic modules on an indicative surface of around 750 m2.

The acoustics of the rooms are regulated by special sound-absorbing elements that also contain the LED lighting. ■

December 2020
The cantonal institute for economy and trade is renewed

In the context of architecture competitions for school subjects, we are often confronted with projects that prove the architectural development of the post-war period. Sometimes they are interesting objects, others less so, even if the questions that arise are the same.
How do you react to an architecture that is so close to us in times and ways of thinking? This is how you solve energy gaps without distorting your face. What are the best ways to expand the spaces without losing the original concept and features?
These are some of the questions architects Corecco and Canevascini faced in order to solve what they really like about these architectures, what gaps to fill, and what transformations may have cracked the architectural balance.
The buildings and the landscape
The former Bellinzona barracks, designed by architects Jäggli, Brunoni, Beretta-Piccoli and Tallone in the early 1950s and converted into a business school in the 1980s, has various valuable elements that serve as design cornerstones. The most general is found in the high quality landscape of the place where the complex has been carefully inserted and strengthened over time by interventions of absolute value, among which the public bathroom stands out, the great work of architects Aurelio Galfetti, Flora Ruchat, Ivo Trumpy.
A river route, an extensive green area defined by public buildings, the view of medieval Bellinzona and the north-opening landscape of the valley form the background to the surroundings of the institute. Then there is the possibility of strictly assembling the volumes individually, but to be softened by the slight oscillations of the angles that define the concatenation. Finally, the compositional and structural accuracy of the individual parts, the tracing of details or constructive solutions that give the whole thing continuity, even with extremely different volumes. For example, think of the shape of the roof: two partitions that do not touch and form a light cut; Solution adopted and suitable both in the main building and in the outbuildings. This severity is also a facade theme that is repeated with different but similar rhythms along all of the main views.
Here are the answers to the first questions. Intervening in these buildings must be done with respect, defending their volumetric integrity and the appearance of details. Do not destroy the individual parts of the complex to accommodate the new spaces required – even if some of them are of lesser value – and do not transform the open but refined structural aspect of the facades.
These assumptions initially lead to an energetic renovation of Block A, the main building of the complex. It is mainly solved internally thanks to the creation of a system
modular insulated and functional for the passage of the facility and for shelves and cupboards that are useful for classrooms. The thickness of this element corresponds to the need to dissolve the thermal bridge of the building elements of the facade inwards. The part of the window has a new design compared to the original, which corresponds to the need for natural ventilation of the premises according to the new thickness of the profiles.
The project
The three phases of the project, the refurbishment of two existing blocks and the addition of a new building, were carried out while the school remained active and the more than 1,300 students did not have to be evicted. This is a condition set by the competition. The extension, now in the final phase of construction, is a long body lifted off the ground and connected to the main block by the two stairs between the ground floor and the first level. The location clarifies the design of the parking spaces and the service buildings, which are now arranged in a disorderly manner, and ultimately brings the school along the river, no longer as a back, but as a privileged background.
The structural rigor, which is externally emphasized by the blades supporting the panel and the vertical rhythm of the facade elements, is the solution that architecturally connects the new building with the existing one. The fundamental difference is the pronounced horizontal dimension as opposed to the verticality of the elevations of the original complex.
The main level mainly houses 12 classrooms to the west and work, break (for students and teachers) or service rooms to the east. A large multi-purpose room is planned in the north, which will serve as the main meeting room within the entire school complex. Large traffic areas connect the new rooms with dimensions that are suitable for the high number of users.
The renovation and expansion took place in three steps at a total cost of 34.4 million francs: in the first phase the classrooms and the institute (block A) in the second phase the offices and the documentation center (blocks D and P) and the third level with Expansion.
Materials Constructively, the architecture of the extension is resolved by a reinforced concrete structure that is isolated on the outside and supported by upturned pillars at the level of the entrances to the ground floor. The language of the building is resolved in the main elevations with large glass surfaces that look towards the floodplains of the river, while in the top views the cladding reflects what was done for the front elements of the floors in zinc-titanium foil, which in the Color oxidized is dark. The rhythm of the main façades mixes solid glazing with opaque doors that can be opened for ventilation, making the change of interiors with different contents homogeneous and abstract.
Energy standards
The renovation work met the requirements of the Minergie building standards. It was not possible to apply for certification as a single point was not paid for, controlled ventilation. The extension instead has Minergie standards and certifications. ■

November 2020
Edilgroup #unitipercostruire

Tradition and innovation are the two basic concepts of the project that led to the founding of Edilgroup, the most important retailer for building products and materials in Ticino. With eight operational offices, a commercial and administrative headquarters distributed throughout the canton and around eighty employees, the new player in the regional construction scene is recognized as a competent and reliable partner of architects, companies and craftsmen in the industry.

Most impressive, however, is the 230 years of experience on construction sites, which the three companies from which the Edilgroup emerged brought with them as dowries: Ghielmimport SA, Taiana SA and Wullschleger SA. Until a few months ago, competitors decided with foresight and realism to contribute with the best know-how to the success of an unprecedented entrepreneurial initiative in order to meet the challenges of a competitive and demanding market in the market which there will be opportunities to be seized.

Between tradition and innovation
Innovative, of course, but how? The warehouses are set up to ensure the necessary visibility of the products. Customers can rely on professional advice. An important contribution is also expected from the marketing office, whose strategies include the use of the most important modern communication tools.

“We have defined new goals between ecological sustainability and technological innovation and integrated digital, financial and planning tools. It’s not just about competitiveness – says Oliviero Milani, CEO of Edilgroup – but also about diversifying the offer, expanding skills and specializing in offering excellent solutions in order to find the balance between quality and price. The person is at the center of our thoughts and actions, because only with strong, competent human capital can it be shown that we believe in the values that identify us and that we can really achieve our goals. Our motto #unitipercostruire not only represents the union of three historical companies in the cantonal panorama, but above all means to bundle forces and work together with customers and suppliers in order to offer the best professional advice, excellent service and innovative quality solutions. “. ■

November 2020
deltaVERDE

premise
deltaZERO is “a group of designers from the fields of architecture and urban planning who want to build buildings and cities for the man of the 21st century”. The group is a leader in the planning of zero-emission buildings in Switzerland and has developed a number of self-advertised prototype buildings to directly test the systems proposed in the studio's projects.
In 2008 the deltaZERO building in Paradiso proposed a new standard for low-energy buildings of the future, which is characterized by flexibility and transparency. This was followed by deltaROSSO, a prototype building, a rental building for mixed residential and administrative purposes, which was awarded the special prize of the Swiss Solar Agency in 2019 for the best multi-family house with positive energy
Now the "test bench" is represented by the DeltaVERDE complex, in which the properties already proposed in the previous prototypes are further developed.
properties
The complex with 5,000 m2 and 86 parking spaces is characterized by two habitable volumes that stand on a base that serves as a garage, storage and technical room.
The property, which belongs to the shareholders of deltaZERO, benefits from a building permit that has grown in the judgment.
In accordance with the DeltaZERO philosophy, the building was developed in such a way that it has the following features:
– Respect for the environment, therefore no higher emissions into the atmosphere and energy production than consumption
– higher than consumption
– Maximum flexibility thanks to a modular design concept with the resulting possibility of changing the destination and partitions according to market requirements; Thanks to the removable radiant floor with deltaZERO concepts, transformation is easy at any time
-high living comfort with ventilation
continuous, large hot and cold radiation surfaces with consequently reduced temperature delta in the distribution
ne, filtered and ionized air, home automation
location
Chiasso is a town a few kilometers from the Lugano and Como lakes and close to its numerous tourist attractions. It is the ideal place for those who want to live in peace and at the same time want to be connected to local and international transport and service networks.
deltaVERDE is located in Via Sottopenz, only a few steps away from the historic center and in the middle of the green of the Penz hill park with its shady and relaxing paths that offer opportunities for relaxation in nature.
The location is strategic from a logistical point of view: in a few minutes on foot you can reach the train station, the central square of the municipality and all services. The location therefore meets the requirements of a young clientele who want a life without constant use of the car, even when the motorway is nearby.
innovation
Integration of energy saving and energy generation technologies.
Implementation of new concepts aimed at ensuring the flexibility of the destination and the use of the spaces according to the constantly changing needs of the contemporary user.
The most modern technological systems contain no emissions and no consumption, maximum flexibility and high comfort and consequently guarantee the stability of the commercial value of the property in the long term.
Positive energy
deltaVERDE produces more energy than it consumes thanks to:
-A construction that pays attention to mass and optimal thermal insulation
– energy generation with two reversible heat pumps
– Solar collectors and photovoltaic modules integrated into the building envelope
Comfort
– optimal lighting guaranteed by large windows
– clean air thanks to ventilation
Continuation with air filtration and ionization
– Summer cooling and dehumidification
– thermal activation of the roof mass
– Home automation and the ability to quickly adapt the electrical system to the needs of the user thanks to the removable raised floor
flexibility
Choosing a construction system that makes it possible to divide the spaces according to the needs of the user and adapt them to the needs of residence and work in constant transformation throughout the life cycle of the building.
The rooms can therefore accommodate apartments, offices or mixed solutions and can easily be modified; Each floor can be divided into a flexible number of units as required.
Low costs
Despite the exceptional properties of the building in terms of technology, comfort and materials used, we intend to bring to the market, through a linear and modular project, residential and / or administrative spaces of the highest quality in a building with positive energy, the cost of which is the average local market correspond . This design philosophy leads to a long-term preservation of the value of the building, despite the climate change and the changes in user needs, which are characteristic of our society in a rapid and constant transformation. ■

November 2020
A worldwide career

Describing the career of a personality like Mario Botta in a few lines is necessarily a reducing exercise. Born in Mendrisio in 1943, after an apprenticeship in Lugano, he attended the Art School in Milan and continued his studies at the University of Architecture in Venice, where he graduated in 1969 with the tutors Carlo Scarpa and Giuseppe Mazzariol. In Venice he had the opportunity to meet Le Corbusier and Louis I. Kahn and to work for them. In 1970 he opened his own studio in Lugano. In 1976 he was appointed visiting professor at the Polytechnic of Lausanne and in 1987 at the Yale School of Architecture in New Haven (USA). Since 1983 he has been a title professor at the Swiss Polytechnic Schools, and from 1982 to 1987 a member of the Federal Commission of Fine Arts. Countless international prizes and awards as well as honorary doctorates. Mario Botta is, among other things, the creator of the Academy of Architecture and the Theater of Architecture by Mendrisio.
Since the first realizations of single-family houses in Ticino, his work has encompassed many types of buildings all over the world. Some examples: the MOMA Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco; the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Evry; the Jean Tinguely Museum in Basel; the Cymbalista Synagogue in Tel Aviv; the city library in Dortmund; the Dürrenmatt Center in Neuchâtel; the Kyobo Tower and the Leeum Museum in Seoul; the Tata Consultancy Services administrative buildings in New Delhi and Hyderabad; the renovation of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan; the Tschuggen Berg Oase wellness center in Arosa; the Campari headquarters and residences in Sesto San Giovanni; the Tsinghua University Library in Beijing; the twelve at the Hengshan Hotel in Shanghai; the Art Museum of Tsinghua University in Beijing; the Fiore di Pietra restaurant on Monte Generoso. ■

November 2020
Zürich erhält Goldauszeichnung als Energiestadt

Zürich ist im Rahmen des Hackathons Climathon Zürich erneut mit dem Energiestadt-Label in Gold ausgezeichnet worden. Damit fördert der Trägerverein Energiestadt die Umstellung auf erneuerbare Energien und Energieeffizienz. Laut einer Medienmitteilung der Stadt hätten der Ausbau der Photovoltaikanlagen auf stadteigenen Liegenschaften zu dieser Anerkennung ebenso beigetragen wie die Realisierung des Energieverbunds Altstetten und Höngg. Auch die neue Tramlinie Hardbrücke und die weitere Elektrifizierung des öffentlichen Verkehrs hätten ihren Anteil daran.

Zum ersten Mal war Zürich die Auszeichnung als Energiestadt vor 20 Jahren verliehen worden. Seither seien die langfristigen Ziele der Stadt „kontinuierlich angepasst worden“. Dazu gehörten etwa die Verankerung der 2000-Watt-Gesellschaft in der Gemeindeordnung und die aktuellen Bestrebungen in Richtung Klimaneutralität. Grundlage dafür seien die im Masterplan Energie der Stadt Zürich definierten energiepolitischen Schwerpunkte.

November 2020
Quickpac now distributes packages from Dietikon

With the newly opened depot in Dietikon, the parcel delivery company Quickpac intends to serve large parts of the cantons of Aargau, Zug and Zurich in the future. With Dietikon, Quickpac expands the number of its distribution centers to three. Up to 25,000 parcels can be transported daily from the three depots. The subsidiary of Quickmail AG is planning to open further depots in St.Gallen in 2021 and, according to a media release , is currently looking for locations in the regions of Bern, St.Gallen, Upper Lake Zurich, Lucerne and Basel.

55 new parcel deliverers have been hired in Dietikon. The number should double in 2021, it is said. 75 new electric vehicles were purchased for delivery. With 176 Renault Kangoo ZE, Quickpac has the largest electric car fleet in Switzerland. According to the announcement, the head of the Dietikon depot is Matthias Merz (47), previously Head of Operations at Cargo Solution GmbH.

The new parcel center would allow even more recipients in Switzerland to benefit from “the fact that their parcels are delivered quietly and with low emissions,” says Thomas Ulmann, COO of Quickpac, quoted as saying. In addition, there is the rapid delivery. A quarter of the parcels are delivered on the day of delivery. Even between 5 and 9 p.m. when working people are at home. Ulmann: "That saves unnecessary and unecological trips to collection points."

November 2020
Designwerk delivers the first electric garbage truck to Basel

Designwerk Products AG has made the first fully electric garbage truck available to the building and transport department of the canton of Basel-Stadt. In the first phase, Designwerk will deliver one vehicle to Basel “almost a week” according to its media release until the beginning of February. A total of eleven more garbage trucks are to follow.

The first Basel e-truck, a Futuricum Collect 26E, is based on the Volvo FM chassis. It has four electric motors with an output of 680 hp. Its range is 160 kilometers. The batteries are charged overnight. Designwerk is cooperating with Contena-Ochsner AG for the construction of press waste. This is also operated electrically.

The construction and transport department of the canton of Basel-Stadt is playing a pioneering role in electromobility across Switzerland, according to Designwerk. Within the next five years, 85 percent of cantonal vehicles are to be electric.

November 2020
Andermatt Swiss Alps remains on the road to success

Between January and October 2020, the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group was able to sell properties worth more than 85 million francs, the company responsible for the development, realization and operation of the holiday destination informs in a message . In a year-on-year comparison, this corresponds to growth of 28 percent. The number of visitors to the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun and the Andermatt Golf Course during summer operations increased by 12 and 50 percent respectively compared to the previous year. This means that the group has continued its positive business development from the first half of 2020, according to the announcement.

The Hotel The Chedi Andermatt was also able to book significantly more overnight stays in the first ten months of 2020 than in the previous year, the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group continues in the message. Specifically, "the historically highest occupancy rate" of 68 percent was achieved. In the same period of the previous year, the hotel The Chedi Andermatt had an occupancy rate of 53 percent.

As of October 31, skiing on the Gemsstock started due to the pandemic with a corresponding plan of action, is further explained in the communication. The canton of Uri has certified the operators safe operation, writes the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group. On the first two weekends of the winter season, the ski operation on the Gemsstock was sold out with around 1000 guests a day.

November 2020
Romande Energie is getting involved in French wind farms

Romande Energie France and the wind farm developer Calycé Développement have entered into a development partnership, according to a press release from the Valais energy supplier. Romande Energie is thus adding 15 wind farms to its portfolio for renewable energies in France. She takes high stakes in them. Most are still in the planning phase.

The contract between the two companies provides for Romande Energie to acquire a 50 percent stake in six early-stage projects. She becomes the one hundred percent owner of seven late-stage projects. She takes on 80 percent of a secured project. Calycé Développement will manage all projects until they are ready for construction. Romande Energie buys 100 percent of a wind farm that is already in operation.

Since 2013 the Romande Energie Group has acquired a number of hydro, solar and wind power plants in France. This added to its hydropower portfolio in western Switzerland. According to the company, these investments served to diversify both their locations and their energy sources. The transaction will be completed in the coming weeks.

November 2020
Interview with Beat Bachmann, Head of the Business Contact Point in the Canton of Zug

Why should a foreign company set up in your canton?
Beat Bachmann: The Zug economic area offers a total package of outstanding location factors: the pronounced economic friendliness, political and financial stability, attractive taxes for companies and private individuals, internationality and the pool of available specialists, which in turn has a magnetic effect. In addition, there are investments in education, good accessibility, the excellent quality of life and an effective business environment. The canton of Zug is part of the Greater Zurich Area (GZA) and the metropolitan area of Zurich, one of the world's most attractive economic areas.
What type of company is interested in your canton?
Companies from broadly diversified industry groups: life science (pharma / biotech / medtech), wholesale, high-tech industry, finance, information and communication technology (including fintech and blockchain) as well as international headquarters.
What has specifically changed in terms of location quality in your canton over the past five years?
With the implementation of the tax reform on January 1, 2020, the business location Zug will remain very attractive for companies and private individuals in the long term in international competition. The leading industries have developed positively and have become even stronger, in particular life science with pharmaceuticals and medtech, trade / trading as well as blockchain, tech and IT. Many start-ups have also emerged in these areas. With the commissioning of the IT department at HSLU in Rotkreuz and the imminent start of the higher technical college for IT and electronics at the commercial and industrial training center in Zug, the canton is investing in talented and future skilled workers.
What developments do you expect in the next five years?
We hope that the economy – which was prospering before the crisis – will recover well and expect that the industry clusters will continue to develop successfully and that the canton will continue to be one of the most attractive locations.
How is the corona crisis affecting your canton's economy?
The Zug economic area is strongly networked internationally, global events have a major impact. The development of the world market has a major influence. We will have clearer information in the third quarter. The Zug government council is planning the coming months with various scenarios; by monitoring selected indicators, it closely follows the recovery of the economy.
What are you doing about it?
The canton's representatives are in constant contact with local companies, business associations and organizations. This network has proven its viability in recent months. The proximity to Zug's economy and, as a result, knowledge of the situation, including that of the micro and small firms, helped to shape the canton's support measures, which complement federal measures, in such a way that at least the most basic needs can be met.

November 2020
Standortförderung Dietikon legt Zwischenbericht vor

Die Standortförderung Dietikon hat ihren Zwischenbericht für die Zeit von Mai bis Oktober vorgelegt. Die Auswirkungen und Beschränkungen aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie machten sich deutlich bemerkbar. So zwang diese Situation die Gemeindeführungsorganisation GFO der Stadt Dietikon laut dem Bericht dazu, den Herbst- und Weihnachtsmarkt mitsamt dem Chlauseinzug abzusagen. Die Standortförderung habe allerdings die Einschränkungen als Chance gesehen und die frei gewordene Kapazität dazu genutzt, verschiedene Initiativen zur Stärkung des Zentrums und des lokalen Gewerbes ins Leben zu rufen.

So lancierte die Stadt Anfang Oktober eine Testimonial-Kampagne mit 19 Dietiker Persönlichkeiten. Die drei Staffeln der Imagekampagne dauern bis Herbst 2021. Der Imageförderung dient auch eine 40-seitige Broschüre über Dietikon, die an Schulen, Neuzuzügerfeiern, zur Personalrekrutierung sowie für die Ansiedlung von Unternehmen und Arbeitskräften eingesetzt werden soll. Sie ist gedruckt und online erhältlich.

Schon im Juli hat sich auf Initiative der Standortförderung das NetzwerkStadt gebildet, das sich für ein attraktives Zentrum und den Einzelhandel einsetzt. Weitergeführt wird auch „Kunst und Kulinarik in leeren Mieträumen“, durch die Mieträume sichtbar gemacht und durch Veranstaltungen belebt werden.

An weiteren Projekten nennt der Zwischenbericht die Suche nach einem Standort für die Schaffung eines Wirtschaftsclusters und das mit den Elektrizitätswerken des Kantons Zürich (EKZ) durchgeführte Projekt „Smart City im öffentlichen Raum erlebbar machen“. Positiv vermerkt wird, dass trotz der Corona-Beschränkungen seit Mai der im Zentrum stattfindende Frischmarkt wieder geöffnet ist und, dass die Bauarbeiten der Limmattalbahn nach Plan verlaufen. Eine anlässlich des Herbstmarktes geplante Baustellenbegehung dort allerdings musste wegen Corona abgesagt werden.

November 2020
The area between St.Gallen and Gossau receives the green light

The area between St.Gallen and Gossau is already home to numerous companies. Thanks to the motorway, the S-Bahn and the bus connections, it is already well developed today. Now both cities want to develop the 1.7 million square meter area between St.Gallen and Gossau. It should be upgraded in terms of traffic technology, attract new companies and give existing companies room for further development.

The St.Gallen city parliament gave the green light for the development planning on October 27th, the Gossau city parliament followed on November 3rd, as the association Areal St.Gallen West – Gossau Ost writes in a message .

The decision was made unanimously in both city parliaments. In the debate on October 27th, according to an article in the “Tagblatt”, the green St.Gallen city parliamentarian Andreas Hobi emphasized that the area has a high added value and that public transport should have its own route. Ivo Liechti emphasized on behalf of the CVP / EPP group that the area represents the largest contiguous work zone in the canton.

The cost of development planning is budgeted at CHF 1.734 million. The two cities each contribute 611,200 francs of this. The canton takes on 20 percent of the remaining 30 percent, the neighboring municipality of Gaiserwald SG and the economy 5 percent each. The also adjacent Herisau AR does not contribute to the costs of the development.

November 2020
The old swimming pool has Roman origins

The thermal water pipes are being renewed on the Kurplatz in Baden. The work is accompanied by the canton archeology. At the end of October, the archaeologists uncovered part of the former outdoor pool at the east end of the square, as the canton writes in a message . This public bathing pool was used from the end of the Middle Ages until the 19th century.

The archaeologists were now able to expose the outer walls of a basin made of Roman cast concrete. They also found the remains of a Roman fountain or water play area. They also uncovered a small Roman single bath. They also found an early modern floor covering made of rectangular clay tiles, which is depicted in historical sources.

The work of the archaeologists makes it possible to lay the new lines in such a way that the historical building fabric is not damaged any further. Where interventions are nevertheless necessary, the remains should be excavated and documented.

The archaeologists already partially exposed the Verenabad on the Kurplatz in spring.

November 2020
Airport opens The Circle

The Circle has been the largest building construction site in Switzerland for years. The building complex next to the airport has been open to the public since Thursday, as the airport writes in a message .

The opening takes place gradually. The University Hospital Zurich has been represented in the Circle with a health center since October, and the Victoria Pharmacy has already opened. Stores like Avec and Bayard open in November. The Hyatt Regency Hotel with the Convention Hall for 2500 people opens in December, the Hyatt Place Hotel follows in the spring. Some office tenants have already moved in. Other tenants such as Abraxas, Microsoft, MSD, Novo Nordisk, SAP and Oracle are gradually following suit. A shared office from Westhive will follow in the spring.

Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flughafen Zürich AG, emphasizes that construction costs have been kept under control and The Circle is almost fully let. “The decision to implement was a courageous step by the two co-owners,” he is quoted in the press release. "Today we can reap the benefits."

Rolf Dörig sees it similarly: "The Circle is a future-oriented development in every respect: compact and sustainable construction in the right location and a modern usage concept that is geared to the needs of current and future generations," said the Chairman of the Board of Directors of co-owner Swiss Life quoted.

November 2020
LuzernPlus President Michèle Graber resigns

Michèle Graber, who has chaired LuzernPlus since January 1, 2020, has decided to resign. Your resignation as of December 31, 2020 is due to time constraints. Her main job is to lead the inter-company courses for dental assistants in Central Switzerland. She has also been a member of the Lucerne Cantonal Council since 2011. The effort that the Presidium entails, the work as a cantonal councilor and, in particular, the additional workload as a result of Corona were not compatible with each other in the long term.
«I was very happy to support the LuzernPlus community association. The time resources that I can make available to the association under the given conditions, however, cannot be reconciled with my high demands on the quality of my work. That's why I decided to focus on fewer tasks, ”says Michèle Graber. “I got to know a very dynamic association whose goals I was very happy to support. Regional cooperation is one of the strengths of our region and it should definitely be expanded. "
André Bachmann, board member of LuzernPlus, regrets the resignation. «We would like to thank Michèle Graber for her careful work. With her friendly manner she gave the association a face ». Bachmann continues: “In particular, the connection with the Cantonal Council was very important for our association. We appreciate that Michèle Graber will remain connected to our association. We wish Michèle Graber all the best for her professional and private future. "
The search for a successor is ongoing
André Bachmann, previous board member, takes over the presidential duties on an interim basis. In addition, the Board of Management immediately initiated the search for a successor. "We will carefully set up the process for succession planning and inform our delegates about the planned steps by the end of 2020." Bachmann continues: "The replacement election is expected to take place at the delegates' meeting in April 2021."

November 2020
Vorlage «Unterfeld Süd» in Baar an der Urne angenommen

Komitee und Bauherrschaft sind überzeugt, dass Baar mit der Annahme der Vorlage «Unterfeld Süd» gestern einen richtigen und wichtigen Entscheid für die künftige gesunde Entwicklung des Lebens- und Wirtschaftsraums Baar getroffen hat. Die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger bekennen sich zu einem Konzept, welches unter Führung der Gemeinde Baar und gemeinsam mit Experten und Baarer Interessenskreisen entwickelt wurde.

Ein Quartier, das neue Massstäbe setzt
Über die nächsten Jahre soll im Unterfeld Süd ein nachhaltiger Lebensraum mit einem zukunftsorientierten, vielfältigen und ergänzenden Angebot entstehen, der in Baar und in der Region Zug neue Massstäbe setzt. Der Bauherrschaft schwebt ein Quartier vor, das Dorf mit Kleinstadt, Tradition mit Zukunft, sowie Arbeiten und Wohnen zu einer Symbiose verbindet und einen vernetzten Raum mit neuen Lebens-, Wohn- und Arbeitsformen bildet.

Das Unterfeld Süd bietet vielfältige Entwicklungs- und Nutzungsmöglichkeiten. Neben den Wohnungen (Miete, Stockwerkeigentum, preisgünstiges Wohnen) sind weitere Nutzungen wie Büros und Dienstleistungen sowie publikumsorientierte Nutzungen in Teilen der Erdgeschosse vorgesehen.

Das Areal ist ein kantonales Verdichtungsgebiet und liegt als eine der letzten unbebauten Bauzonen der Region direkt auf der Gemeindegrenze zwischen Baar und Zug am Bahnhof Baar-Lindenpark und angrenzend an die Erholungszone Lorze.

Etappierte Umsetzung
Die Bauherrschaft geht jetzt umgehend die nächsten Schritte an, um den Willen der Baarer Stimmbürger zeitnah umzusetzen. Anfang 2021 startet ein Architekturwettbewerb für die erste Bauetappe, dem die Richtlinien des Quartiergestaltungsplans zugrunde liegen. Nach der Auswahl des Siegerprojekts im Sommer 2021 wird ein entsprechender Bebauungsplan ausgearbeitet, welcher voraussichtlich im Sommer 2022 der Baarer Gemeindeversammlung vorgelegt werden kann. Anschliessend erfolgt die Baueingabe für die zwei Baufelder der ersten Bauetappe. Die weiteren Bauetappen werden voraussichtlich mit einer leichten zeitlichen Verschiebung parallel bearbeitet. Die ersten Bauarbeiten für die Erstellung der Gebäude auf dem Gelände beginnen frühestens im Sommer 2023. Implenia ist für die gesamte Arealentwicklung zuständig und entwickelt die Baufelder 1A und 4 (im Bild in Gelb markiert) als Eigentümer sowie die Baufelder 1B und 3 (im Bild in Grün markiert) im Auftrag von Ina Invest.

Wir danken der Gemeinde Baar, den aktiven Unterstützern aus Politik und Gesellschaft, sowie den Baarer Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürgern für ihr Vertrauen und das klare Bekenntnis zur Entwicklung Unterfeld Süd.

November 2020
A superlative future project

Where the SBB's repair center (Depot G) is located today, a new piece of the city is to be built in the middle of the city in the future. This is done on an area larger than four football fields. Those responsible for the project envision that different offers for living and working as well as spacious public spaces should be created on the Neugasse area for the neighborhood and for the entire city. Also for people who should help shape the space and life there with their ideas. Speaking of co-design: how the Neugasse area will be designed for the future in detail, the SBB will design together with the population, politics and administration.
75 percent of the area is planned for living – a total of 375 apartments. The following distribution is planned:
1/3 non-profit housing construction (building rights to cooperatives)
1/3 limited-price living
(created by SBB)
1/3 living for market rent
(created by SBB)
25 percent of the area is planned for trade, culture and communal or public uses.
10 percent school
(Building rights to the City of Zurich)
15 percent commercial, cultural and communal uses (1/3 of it in building rights for cooperatives). ■

October 2020
Two new buildings next to the Schwyz Hospital

The two new buildings are called House M and House P. In the new house M – the letter stands for multifunctional building – various uses are planned. These include, for example, service areas, staff rooms and areas used for medical purposes. The Schwyz Hospital is expanding its range of oncology services. Part of the area – on the ground floor and on the top floor – is available to external tenants. You benefit from various advantages due to the proximity to the Schwyz Hospital. For example, it is possible to use the restaurant or the seminar rooms in the house. In order to enable the different uses, the building consists of a load-bearing core as well as concrete ceilings and facade supports.
The new house P (Parking) brings together the currently different parking spaces on the site. The entrance is from Waldeggstrasse and leads through House M into a four-storey, predominantly underground car park without pillars. In addition to the window surfaces, the facade consists of massive, glazed parapet strips. The new surroundings are largely greened and supplemented with trees and bushes. The two buildings should be completed in spring 2022. ■

October 2020
New use for a former prison

An open district of Chur is being realized on the Sennhof site. With the new Sennhof, the city is getting an extension of the old town with a broad mix of uses, writes the building construction department of the canton of Graubünden in a message. In other words: after two hundred years, the Sennhof prison will once again be freely accessible to everyone. The conversion includes residential, commercial, gastro and a hostel.
New life in old walls
Those responsible for the project emphasize that in future people will work and live around the newly accessible inner courtyard. In the planned new building on the Sennhof site, 29 modern old town apartments will be realized. The heart of the complex remains the actual Sennhof, which, with the tower from the 13th century, is a distinctive identification feature. In addition to the tower, the arched wing and the buildings along Sennhofstrasse will be retained. The proposed project blends the existing building structure harmoniously into the old town, according to the building construction department. The angled part of the new building means that the inner courtyard is redrawn, opens up towards the vineyard and looks more spacious overall, according to the team of architects. The overall idea is supported by the diverse and well-structured mix of uses with a restaurant, commercial, residential, cultural and student space. Except for deliveries, the area should be car-free and only open to non-motorized traffic.
Construction is expected to start in autumn 2020. The project development company Sennhof submitted the building application for the project in mid-February 2020. The company consists of Brandis Investment AG and Miro Immo AG. The Chur office Ritter Schumacher is responsible for the architecture. The project developers provide an insight into the planned project as part of the temporary use until October 2020 on the Sennhof site in Chur. If everything goes according to plan, construction work should start in the autumn of this year. ■

October 2020
Another skyscraper characterizes Zurich Oerlikon

The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2014 with a multi-stage general planning competition. Armon Semadeni Architects, Zurich emerged as the winner. SBB is investing around 96 million francs in the Franklinturm at Zurich Oerlikon station. The almost eighty meter high new building will have 14,800 square meters of office space on 21 floors and shops and restaurants on the ground floor on 200 square meters. In addition, a bicycle ramp will be integrated into the Franklinturm, which will connect Hofwiesenstrasse with the Velostation Passage Oerlikon. The sales and catering areas on the ground floor will be marketed in 2021. With the project, SBB wants to further improve the quality of work and life in Zurich Oerlikon. The building, together with the Andreasturm, will have a significant impact on the cityscape in north Zurich, emphasize those responsible for the project. As with previous SBB buildings, the Franklinturm will also be realized according to the "DGNB / SGNI Platinum" standard of the Swiss Society for Sustainable Real Estate Management. The system evaluates the ecological, economic, socio-cultural and functional qualities of a building. ■

October 2020
Built Too Much? The fact that the real estate market no longer absorbs everything is an opportunity.

Has too much been built in Switzerland? Maybe too much in the wrong place? It is true that one cannot speak of THE Swiss real estate market, as it is divided into different sub-markets, but the absorption time has generally lengthened, say the seven real estate developers who met in June for the HIG expert discussion. They assume that a basic set of apartments is always needed – just where and which, that is the question. A question that leads to rethinking quality.
“Quality before quantity” – this phrase was used fifty years ago. But while quality was then associated with luxury, today people think of needs-based, sustainable building. This may be more expensive to create, but it pays off in the long term. The fact that the market no longer absorbs everything is also a gain. After all, everyone benefits from better quality – residents and users as well as creators and investors.
“Perhaps too much has been built and the result is interchangeable apartment blocks. That is why we are now dealing more intensively with the issue of quality. That is the positive aspect of this development. "
Roland Thoma
The ABC of the situation – quality over quantity
Around 75,400 apartments were vacant in Switzerland in 2019 * and the trend is rising. While two or three years ago the sales or letting rate when a property was completed was an average of 95 percent, today it is only 80 to 85 percent. The more peripheral the location, the longer the absorption time. In the urban centers there are up to 1000 inquiries for an apartment, and because the capacities are limited, the demand has to shift. There is also solid demand beyond the centers and A locations, for example for condominiums in the medium and low price segment. On the other hand, the once coveted luxury apartments are also among the slacks in the centers, while rental apartments in the low price segment are absorbed almost everywhere immediately.
So it's about the right location with a product for the right segment. Nevertheless: "In structurally weaker regions, even in the middle segment, we need longer than two to three years ago," says René Frauenknecht from Steiner AG, for example. “Today we are keeping our hands off places that already have high vacancies and are reluctant to develop in B and C locations”. The risk of doing so is due to the relatively high pressure to acquire: “There are still large pension funds that are very aggressive on the market and secure land. It is very important that the quality of the location comes before quantity. That is new. Up until a few years ago you couldn't go very wrong if you had acquired a plot of land in a bad location, ”says Frauenknecht. “The low interest rates can also lead to wrong decisions, as risks may not be properly assessed. The wrong product in the right position no longer works today, ”adds Tobias Rotermund from Odinga Picenoni Hagen AG.
The ratings from analysts such as Fahrländer or Wüest Partner are an important basis, say the developers, but these location analyzes have to be verified and interpreted on site in order not to simply repeat what has worked in the past. "Most of the location analyzes are data-based and digital," says Marc Lyon from Implenia Schweiz AG. «If we strictly followed the software's suggestions for our development strategies and product definition, we would always have the same without innovations. We would just make a copy of what has been built up over the past few years. These data-based foundations are indisputably important, but human interpretation is really necessary. We perceive a property in a completely different way and have a completely different reference when we get an idea of the location and not just look at the property via Google Maps and Street View ».
"If we were to strictly follow the software's suggestions for our development strategies and product definition, there would be no innovation."
Marc Lyon
As simple as it is convincing – new concepts
Once the potential of a place has been determined, it is a matter of developing a future-oriented concept. How can this look?
Since an automatic price increase is no longer readily accepted by users today, space efficiency is the focus of the developers. It is achieved, for example, through a reduction in space, compact floor plans, prefabricated products, standardized construction processes and the elimination of gadgets. The result doesn't have to be zero-eight-fifteen. "You can achieve good quality even in difficult locations with simple but convincing architecture and inexpensive production with local companies", is Tobias Rotermund's experience. Large balconies are popular and not necessarily expensive, good furnishing makes up for the missing square meters and architecture can be as simple as it is convincing.
You can achieve good quality even in difficult locations with simple but convincing architecture and inexpensive production. "
Tobias Rotermund
As far as the variety of apartment typologies is concerned – it is more expensive to build, but it is useful for renting in the long term. Other components that affect the quality of living are accessibility, exterior design, sustainability, mobility and neighborhood. "There are a whole range of options for diversifying rental living and for setting yourself apart on the market," says Valentin Müller from UTO Real Estate Management AG. “These include residential typologies that focus on a specific target group as well as integrated mobility concepts that optimally network the apartments with their surroundings. And not to forget: the quality of the settlement. We are talking here of 'living space', of spaces with a high quality of stay. Concepts are required for this. With a good development, you can create a good micro-location that meets human needs ».
But what needs does the specific target group have at the specific location? Do people want representative architecture or identify with the place where they live? Do you value neighborly exchange or do you prefer privacy? Do you accept the lush, green outdoor space as compensation for the B or C location? … Who determines what quality is? The architecture elite? The users?
A central finding in real estate communication is that the involvement of those affected promotes the acceptance and quality of a project. In addition to the quality of the product, the quality of the development process becomes more important.
"Whether a project is accepted depends not least on the involvement of the population."
Claudia Siegle
"The early involvement of the population in the Mattenhof project in Lucerne South has paid off," says Claudia Siegle from Mobimo Management AG. “It is important that people can identify with the place where they live. In this case, this includes the creation of neighborhoods. In the Mattenhof, you don't just live in a residential building, but in a mixed-use area, where you can network with each other using apps, for example ». For Tobias Achermann, former CEO of Zug Estates AG, the dialogue with those affected has also proven its worth: “In the further development of the 'Metalli' district, we have had good experiences with involving the Zug population. Over a thousand people contributed their thoughts and suggestions. I see this procedure as the cornerstone for the further course of a project ».
Involving the population not only benefits the product and its future users, but also improves political acceptance. For example, the claim that too much is being built appears regularly in the media and is a difficult argument in referendum battles: “The construction industry is often perceived as a driver of growth that is not welcomed everywhere – especially in the peripheral and rural areas people get the impression that building is being done primarily because investors have to invest money and not because it meets a need. Allowing those affected to participate in a project and creating real needs-based justice not only increases the quality, but also the social and political acceptance of a project ”, is the experience of Werner Schaeppi, an expert in construction and real estate communication.
Innovation versus bureaucracy – problem child on the ground floor
The development of the industry has meant that not only the real estate projects, but also their creators have to position themselves. For example through innovations such as a CO2-free energy system and building with wood in the “Suurstoffi” in Rotkreuz, which Tobias Achermann mentions as an example. Or through innovative mobility concepts that are developed and implemented by UTO Real Estate Management AG. In general, the company is committed to innovation, says Valentin Müller. This is a mind set that flows into the corporate culture and flows into the development projects. However, new concepts also need staying power, for example running the gauntlet through the density of regulations.
The number one problem child for the developers is ground floor usage. Bringing ground floors to life with commercial uses is difficult, and this will become even more acute with increasing online trade and changes in the retail sector. The hygiene measures in the context of new viruses such as Covid-19 are also difficult to assess; for example, long-term guidelines such as distance rules would increase the space requirement in the trade. Innovative concepts are required, especially for ground floor uses, but these often fail because of the long-lasting planning instruments. Because if a development plan is ten to fifteen years old, it may no longer meet the current requirements.
“Why should there be no residential use on the ground floor, for example?” Ask the developers. The fact that commercial ground floor uses per se generate a lot of foot traffic is a romantic notion. Ground floors must be appropriate to the situation and location and match the district infrastructure. “You have to ask yourself whether the development with a ground floor will be more attractive,” summarizes Roland Thoma from the HIG Immobilien Anlage Foundation. "A bookstore is not attractive in terms of returns and has to be cross-subsidized, but it can perhaps offer the neighborhood added value".
"Innovation is rooted in the corporate culture and flows into the projects."
Valentin Müller
Building construction and home office – a look into the crystal ball
What's next Will the market be saturated twenty, thirty, fifty years from now, and will other investment activities be needed? According to the participants in the HIG expert discussion, there will be a shift in the area of building construction from new buildings to modernization, renovation, extension and conversion. The area of infrastructure will grow with public buildings such as hospitals and railway maintenance etc., and the topic of sustainability will also continue to establish itself. "Today, certain sustainability principles are part of the development of a project," says Tobias Achermann. In addition, age-appropriate building is a major issue: “By 2030, the 65+ age group will increase by 30 percent. As an investor and developer, you are betting on the right card if you position yourself in this segment with appropriate infrastructure and community concepts, ”says Achermann.
«If you position yourself today in the area of age-appropriate building, you have to sit down
you as an investor and developer on the right card. "
Tobias Achermann
Opinions differ on the topic of home office. The developers report that the joint creative process suffered enormously during the corona lockdown. For example, study assignments had to be postponed because the architectural offices could not be as productive as usual in the virtual exchange. Other areas, on the other hand, work very well in the home office. They open up the potential for a future in which there may be new forms of work, but at least less commuting. How this potential will be used cannot be foreseen at the moment. On the one hand, many companies are bringing their employees back into their company premises, on the other hand, industries such as the New Economy are driving the home office trend. For the construction of the future, home office would require more space and flexibility of use in the living spaces, which, however, collides with efforts to build cost-effectively by reducing space.
Back to the ground floor once again: Would co-working spaces be conceivable here, for example, which expand the home office model? Perhaps as part of a sharing economy, or also non-commercially as an extension of the classic common room? Some developers have conceptual thoughts on this, but they stand and fall with whether it will be possible to get the authorities on board. As a developer, waiting for the development is seldom the right attitude. ■
* Federal Statistical Office FSO,
Collected on June 1, 2019, www.bfs.admin.ch
Tobias Rotermund
Tobias Rotermund has been a senior real estate consultant and member of the management board of Odinga Picenoni Hagen AG for six years, which as an independent project development and real estate consultancy is responsible, for example, for the overall project management of the first stage of the overall renovation of the University Hospital Zurich. Before that he worked as an architect in various offices. He studied architecture in Berlin and completed his Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate (CUREM) at the University of Zurich.
Marc Lyon
Marc Lyon is Head Real Estate Development Switzerland at Implenia Schweiz AG, where he was Head of Development in German-speaking Switzerland for the past three years. Before that, he worked at Swiss Prime Site AG in the Development and Construction division throughout Switzerland and at Credit Suisse in the Real Estate Investment Management division for the development and implementation of large
projects in Germany and abroad. Marc Lyon studied architecture at the EPFL in Lausanne and has a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Claudia Siegle
Claudia Siegle is a team leader in the development department at Mobimo Management AG. The graduate in business administration with a CAS in needs-based planning and construction as well as a master’s degree in community, urban and regional development is responsible for various site developments. For example for the Mattenhof area in Lucerne-South – a large development with 120 rental apartments, offices, restaurants and a Holiday Inn hotel, which opened in summer 2019.
Roland Thoma
Roland Thoma has been managing director of the HIG Immobilien Anlage Foundation, which invests in Swiss real estate, for three years. Before joining HIG, Roland Thoma was a member of the management team and was responsible for the transactions of H&B Real Estate AG. Roland Thoma graduated from the Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne and completed further training at CUREM and the St. Gallen University of Applied Sciences in the areas of real estate management and real estate development.
René Frauenknecht
René Frauenknecht has been with Steiner AG for five years. In his role as Head Sale and Lease he is responsible for the sale and rental of all apartments and service areas developed by Steiner AG. Before that he was managing director of Intercity AG Zug / Luzern for over seven years. The federally certified real estate trustee studied business administration at the Kaderschule Zurich and completed the master’s course in Advanced Studies in Real Estate CUREM at the University of Zurich.
Tobias Achermann
Tobias Achermann was CEO of Zug Estates Holding AG from 2014 to May 2020. With the model area development Suurstoffi in Rotkreuz, the trained real estate
Economist established as an expert in sustainable and innovative site development. Zug Estates aims to become the first listed real estate company with a portfolio without CO2 emissions. Since June 1, 2020 he has been managing director of Achermann Consulting GmbH, which pursues the purpose of taking on board mandates and carrying out economic advice.
Valentin Müller
Valentin Müller has been CEO of UTO Real Estate Management AG for two years, which specializes in the development and management of third-party real estate portfolios. Current projects include the Tiny Houses on Zollikerberg and the Performative House in Zurich Unterstrass. Before his current position, the qualified architect was Head of Real Estate and a member of the group management of AMAG Automobil- und Motoren AG.
Dr. Werner Schaeppi
Dr. Werner Schaeppi works as a communications researcher and consultant at the communications agency Creafactory AG and at the market research institute mrc research & consulting ag in Zug. He is co-owner of both companies that are leaders in real estate, capital goods and financial services. Werner Schaeppi studied at the University of Zurich. He has a licentiate in linguistics and a doctorate in social psychology.

October 2020
Joint school and sports center

The district of Schwyz announced that the number of inhabitants in the municipality has increased significantly in recent years. Due to this fact, the District Council of Schwyz and the District Council of Arth decided to jointly build a school and sports center on the district-owned properties “Stegweidli” and “Bifang”. The two school buildings are the prelude to the new building. The winner of the two-stage architecture competition in 2019 was the “Chip & Chap” project by BSS Architects, Schwyz.
It is planned that school operations will take place on the two upper floors, divided into eight classrooms, group rooms, teachers' rooms and preparation rooms. The room for integrative support (IF), the level room and the team leader's office will also be located here. All classrooms are arranged along the outer facade. They are provided with natural ventilation and the rooms offer natural light and a view.
The creation of a central sports facility and a triple sports hall, which can also be used for large events, is a useful addition to the community's infrastructure, writes the community of Arth in its 2019 budget. On the left are the exit to the changing rooms and the entrances to the sports halls. These are clearly visible and separated from school use. In addition, there are multifunctional rooms that allow further uses. The completion of the two buildings is planned for summer 2021. ■

October 2020
Competence center for social professions

The vocational school in Winterthur is a competence center for social professions. In addition, the professions of retail trade and dental assistant are taught, writes the building construction department of the canton of Zurich in a message. With the new building, the construction project includes around forty classrooms, a triple gymnasium as well as rooms for student residence and administration. As a result, various rental areas in Winterthur will be eliminated and the number of school locations will be reduced.
Optimal use of school and sports
The project captivates with its compact form and the associated location within the plot. This would create space for two spacious forecourt, emphasize the project managers. The floor plans also ensure optimal school and sports use, and the light-flooded atrium enables inviting, interior access and attractive usable areas on the ground floor and on the upper floors. With the seven-storey wood / concrete structure, the building management's high sustainability requirements would be met. The statically load-bearing timber framework remains visible on the upper floors. The aim is to submit a building project that is eligible for approval to the government council and the cantonal council in 2021. If you agree to the project and no appeals are made, construction work is expected to start in autumn 2022. ■

October 2020
A versatile housing estate for Leutschenbach

The new housing estate consists of two U-shaped, seven to nine-story main buildings that are open towards Riedbach and thus create a spacious inner courtyard with parking spaces across both areas, explained the project managers. The inner courtyard is also supplemented with smaller buildings that accommodate different uses such as the four kindergartens and childcare. The new building project by Clou Architekten AG, Zurich, and Atelier Oriri Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH, Kehrsiten, won an architecture competition in 2016. The jury argued that the project impressed above all with its high space and volume efficiency, which, in addition to cost advantages, also promises energetic and operational benefits.
The focus is on 4- to 4½-room apartments
The Leutschenbach housing estate comprises 349 2- to 6½-room apartments, two cluster apartments each with six 1- to 2-room studios, seven apartments for shared apartments, eleven two-storey residential studios and 41 rentable rooms. The housing offer is tailored to current needs in different phases of living and life. The eight large apartments and the differently designed rooms would offer flexible space for different living solutions. The proportion of 4- to 4½-room apartments is around 46 percent and thus forms the focus. The rooms for trade and services with storage space are on the ground floor. The individual rooms have an area of 20 to 130 square meters.
Contribution to the 2000 watt society
The housing estate is intended to make a contribution to the 2000 watt society with various measures. The U-shaped main building will be built according to the Minergie-P-ECO, the buildings in the inner courtyard according to the Minergie-ECO standard. It is planned that the heat will be supplied via the district heating network of the Hagenholz waste incineration plant and can also be supplemented by the waste heat from the neighboring data center of Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF). In addition, a photovoltaic system is to be installed on the roof for personal use. ■

October 2020
So stellen sich die Standortförderer der Kantone auf

Kanton Solothurn, Sarah Koch

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Sarah Koch: Weil wir Fachkräfte, Know-how, Innovationspartner und die notwendige Infrastruktur vor Ort haben, um zukunftsträchtige Entwicklungsprojekte voranzutreiben. Und weil der Kanton Solothurn als Wohn- und Lebensstandort besondere Qualitäten aufweist. Attraktive Jobs und Freizeitmöglichkeiten gehen bei uns Hand in Hand.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Der Kanton Solothurn ist etabliert als Produktions- und Innovationsstandort, insbesondere im Bereich der Medizinaltechnik bzw. Life Sciences. Aus diesem Grund ist das Interesse der Unternehmen aus diesen Technologien besonders gross. Wir verfügen aber auch über ein spannendes Ökosystem im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien – innovative Start-ups und Spin-offs zieht es in unsere Zentren.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Unser Standort ist steuerlich attraktiver geworden. Die Steuerbelastung ist im Zuge der Steuerreform und AHV-Finanzierung per 2020 auf 16,8 Prozent gesunken und wird bis 2022 bis auf 15,3 Prozent gesenkt. Zudem hat der Kanton seine E-Government-Strategie stetig vorangetrieben. In diesem Jahr geht das Behördenportal online – eine administrative Erleichterung für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Die Digitalisierung hat durch die Coronakrise enormen Rückenwind erhalten. Wir gehen davon aus, dass sowohl die Unternehmen wie auch die öffentliche Hand diese Entwicklung in den nächsten Jahren weiterverfolgen. Dateninfrastruktur und Download-Geschwindigkeit spielen in diesem Zusammenhang eine wichtige Rolle – der Kanton Solothurn ist diesbezüglich sehr gut aufgestellt. Auch im Bereich der Arbeitszonenbewirtschaftung hat der Kanton wesentliche Schritte initiiert, um die künftige Entwicklung der Wirtschaft zu stärken.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Der Kanton Solothurn befindet sich bezüglich der Arbeitslosenzahlen und Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen im Schweizer Durchschnitt. Noch sind die Folgen der Coronakrise nur sehr schwer abzuschätzen. Wir bleiben zuversichtlich und erhoffen uns, dass der Trend zur Renationalisierung von Wertschöpfungsketten und damit auch die Standortverbundenheit unserer KMU zunehmen wird. Das ist eine Chance für unseren Kanton.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Wir stehen im engen Austausch mit den Unternehmen und unterstützen beispielsweise in der Vermittlung von Innovations- oder Finanzierungspartnern. Zudem werden wir unsere Standortstrategie 2030 für den Kanton Solothurn an die aktuellen Herausforderungen anpassen – dabei wollen wir natürlich auf die Bedürfnisse der Unternehmen eingehen.■

Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Solothurn
Sarah Koch
Leiterin Wirtschaftsförderung
Telefon: +41 32 627 95 27
www.standortsolothurn.ch
wifoe@awa.so.ch

Kanton Graubünden, Eugen Arpagaus

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Eugen Arpagaus: Nebst der ausgezeichneten Verkehrslage an der Nord-Süd-Achse und der Nähe zum Wirtschaftsraum Zürich sowie der guten Anbindung an den Flughafen Zürich bieten wir eine attraktive Steuerbelas-
tung, die Möglichkeit der Steuererleichterungen, eine sehr unternehmensfreundliche Abschreibungspraxis, die Fördermöglichkeit von innovativen Vorhaben sowie günstigere Kostenstrukturen gegenüber der Agglomeration. Immer mehr an Bedeutung gewinnen eine hohe Lebensqualität und eine gute Work-
Life-Balance. Die Erfahrungen einzelner exportorientierter Unternehmen zeigt, dass neue Mitarbeitende wegen der hohen Lebensqualität sehr wohl gewillt sind, nach Graubünden umzuziehen.

Für welche Unternehmen ist der Kanton Graubünden interessant?
Wir sind überzeugt, dass der Kanton für produzierende High-Tech-Unternehmen in den Branchen Life Science, Medtech, MEM, Sensorik und Chemie/Kunststoffe sowie für Informations- und Kommunikationstech-
nologie-Unternehmen von besonderem Interesse ist. Dies lässt sich durch das verfügbare Know-how im Sinne des Mitarbeiterpotenzials in der Region belegen. Auch zeigen die Daten der bestehenden Unternehmen, dass sie hier auf die Stückkosten bezogen ein attraktives Umfeld finden.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
In den letzten Jahren haben wir uns intensiv mit der Möglichkeit zur Erhöhung der Verfügbarkeit von attraktiven Industrieflächen beschäftigt. So konnten wir im Industriepark Vial in Domat/Ems eine Fläche von ca. 22 Hektaren umstrukturieren und den export- und technologieorientierten Unternehmen zur Verfügung stellen. Die ersten zwei Unternehmen mit einem Potenzial von rund 1000 Mitarbeitenden konnten wir bereits ansiedeln. Die sofortige Verfügbarkeit von Bauland ist gegeben, und dies zu einem attraktiven Bodenpreis. Des Weiteren hat Graubünden stark im Bereich Forschung investiert. So konnte dieses Jahr mit der ETH Zürich das Forschungszentrum «Climate Change and Extremes Research Center CERC» gegründet werden.

Welche Entwicklungen stehen für Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren an?
Im Fokus steht die Umsetzung der Innovationsstrategie des Kantons Graubünden mit dem Schwerpunkt, die Voraussetzungen für Innovationskraft in Unternehmen zu steigern. Insbesondere die Verknüpfung der Exzellenz der Forschungsinstitutionen in Davos, den Universitäten sowie der Fachhochschule Graubünden in Chur zur Optimierung des Wissen- und Technologietransfers kann die Innovationskraft von Unternehmen erheblich steigern. Der Promotion des Wirtschafs-, Wohn- und Lebensraums Graubünden kommt im Regierungsprogramm 2021–2024 eine zentrale Rolle zu.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Derzeit ist es sehr schwierig abzuschätzen, was auf die Wirtschaft des Kantons Graubünden zukommt. Grundsätzlich teilen wir die Haltung, was das SECO bezüglich der BIP-Entwicklung und der Arbeitslosenzahlen prognostiziert. Wir stehen im engen Austausch mit den Wirtschaftsverbänden.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
In Zusammenarbeit mit der Dachorganisation der Bündner Wirtschaft und der Interessengemeinschaft Tourismus Graubünden (ITG) diskutieren wir, inwieweit mit Impulsprogrammen der Coronakrise entgegengewirkt werden kann. Wie diese ausgestaltet werden, wird noch diskutiert. ■

AWT (Amt für Wirtschaft und Tourismus Graubünden)
Eugen Arpagaus, Amtsleiter
Telefon +41 81 257 23 77
www.awt.gr.ch
eugen.arpagaus@awt.gr.ch

Kanton Glarus, Stefan Elmer

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Stefan Elmer: Nach wie vor ist Glarus der am stärksten industrialisierte Kanton der Schweiz. Hier kommen heute verschiedenste Spitzentechnologien zum Einsatz. Die industrielle Tradition wirkt nach: Hohe Einsatzbereitschaft, Arbeitsmoral und Produktivität sind typische Eigenschaften der Glarnerinnen und Glarner. Dazu bietet der Kanton Glarus einen sehr attraktiven Wohnstandort in einer intakten Landschaft mit vielfältigen Freizeitmöglichkeiten und in nächster Nähe zu Zürich.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Vielfach suchen KMU und Familienunternehmen einen Standort, wo sie sich zu noch bezahlbaren Kosten entwickeln können, motivierte und loyale Mitarbeiter finden sowie kurze Wege zu den Behörden. Unser Standort bietet vergleichsweise tiefe Preise für Land und Immobilien. Tiefe Strom-, Lohn- und Lebenshaltungskosten, eine gute Verkehrserschliessung, ein günstiges Steuerklima sowie ein innovationfreundliches Umfeld sprechen eigentlich alle Branchen an, sowohl aus der traditionellen Industrie, dem Gewerbe wie auch dem wissensbasierten Sektor.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert, welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Das Glarnerland ist ein selbstbewusster Teil des Grossraums Zürich, brachliegende Industrieareale werden umgenutzt und von der Kreativwirtschaft, von Firmen aus der Information- und Kommuniukations-Technologie wie auch durch neuartige Wohn- und Lebensformen genutzt. Ein Beispiel ist die autarke Energieversorgung aus Wasserkraft. Ausserdem treiben innovative Jungunternehmer den Strukturwandel hin zur Wissensgesellschaft voran. Und zu guter Letzt: Das entschleunigte Bergtal ist eine attraktive Wohnalternative zur hektischen Metropole Zürich.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Wie überall sind die einzelnen Branchen sehr unterschiedlich betroffen. Währendem vor allem die im Kanton traditionell starke Bauwirtschaft fast ohne Einschränkungen weiterproduzieren konnte, leidet die Exportindustrie aus dem Maschinen-, Metall- und Kunststoffbereich noch massiv unter der eingebrochenen Nachfrage. Die Tourismusbranche scheint mit einem blauen Auge davon gekommen zu sein, da die Wintersaison im Kanton Glarus jeweils Ende März beendet wird. Die Ferienregionen ziehen traditionell Schweizer Gäste an. So ist in den Sommermonaten mit einer guten Aus-
lastung zu rechnen.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Als Soforthilfe kamen auch im Kanton Glarus die klassischen Instrumente wie Kurzarbeit, Covid-19-Kredite und finanzielle Härtefallnetze zum Einsatz, die der Kanton mit eigenen Instrumenten zusätzlich zu den Bundesmassnahmen verstärkt hat. Die sehr solide finanzielle Lage des Kantons erlaubte es, die Wirtschaft in dieser Krise schnell und unbürokratisch zu unterstützen und eigene Investitions-
projekte vorzuziehen. Mittelfristig unterstützt der Kanton unabhängig davon den Wandel zur Digitalisierung. Er hat dazu ein ambitiöses Massnahmenpaket verabschiedet, das der gesamten Wirtschaft und den Arbeitnehmern helfen soll, sich den zukünftigen Herausforderungen der digitalisierten Welt stellen zu können. ■

Glarus
Stefan Elmer,
Leiter Standortentwicklung
Telefon +41 55 646 66 13
www.gl.c
stefan.elmer@gl.ch

Kanton Schaffhausen, Christoph Schärrer

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Christoph Schärrer: Weil Schaffhausen vor allem die Grundlage für eine tolle Zukunft bietet. Dafür gibt es mehrere Gründe: Über 600 internationale Unternehmen haben Schaffhausen als Headquarter- und Produktionsstandort gewählt. Innovative und kreative Ideen und Vorhaben werden offen aufgenommen und aktiv unterstützt. Der Zugang zu Top-Fachkräften umfasst Süddeutschland und den Grossraum Zürich. Dank attraktivem Kosten- und Steuerniveau bleibt mehr zum (Re-)Investieren. Wir bieten beste Verbindungen zum Flughafen Zürich sowie lokal kurze Wege und unbürokra-
tischen Entscheiden. Ausserdem profitieren Mitarbeitende von viel Lebensqualität.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Firmen und Unternehmer/Innen, welche die Zukunft an der Schnittstelle Industrie und Digitalisierung mit neuen Technologien und Geschäftsmodellen aktiv gestalten. Dazu gehören internationale Grosskonzerne mit Headquarter-Funktionen und agile Produktions- und Entwicklungsunternehmen. Wenig bekannt ist, dass die Schaffhauser Pharma- und Medizinaltechnik-Branche sehr bedeutend ist. Unternehmen aus diesen Bereichen finden bei uns optimale Rahmenbedingungen.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Dem Kanton Schaffhausen ist die Transformation vom Industrie- zum Hightech-Standort gelungen. Zahlreiche internationale Unternehmen wählen Schaffhausen heute für Hauptsitz-Funktionen. Die Geschwindigkeit der Veränderungen nimmt weiter zu. Als Antwort wurde der Strategiefokus auf Innovation und Technologie erweitert. Der Kanton Schaffhausen will sich zur führenden Region in der Anwendung zukunftsweisender Technologien entwickeln. Der Fokus unserer Ausrichtung liegt deshalb in den Bereichen Smart Mobility und Drohnen, Future Farming und Advanced Materials.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Die industrielle Tradition und Pionierrolle liegen in unserer DNA. Dazu gehört, die Zukunft zu gestalten, anzupacken – ohne das Engagement für die Umwelt und Gesellschaft zu vernachlässigen. Diese Charaktereigenschaften teilen innovative Firmen und unternehmerische Personen. Sie suchen ein Umfeld, wo Politik und Behörden aktiv Hand bieten, um ihre Vorhaben und ihre zukunftsweisenden Entwicklungen umzusetzen. Dies ist bei uns der Fall. Schaffhausen ist Vorreiter bei der digitalen Identität, hat weltweit als erster Standort einen selbstfahrenden Bus im Leitsystem des öffentlichen Verkehrs integriert oder spannt mit Drohnen- und Agrarunternehmen bei Feldversuchen zusammen.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Schaffhausen führt gemäss einer UBS-Studie beim Indikator «Wirtschaftsstruktur» die Rangliste aller Kantone an. Dies unterstreichen die hohe Wachstumsdynamik und die gute Wettbewerbspositionierung der kantonalen Unternehmenslandschaft. Es zeigt, dass sich die Schaffhauser Wirtschaft in den letzten Jahren gut aufgestellt hat, um diese schwierige Phase bewältigen zu können.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Seit jeher ist die persönliche Bestandespflege ansässiger Unternehmen ein Hauptbestandteil der Schaffhauser Wirtschaftsförderungstätigkeit. Die Rolle der Wirtschaftsförderung als direkte Ansprechstelle für Unternehmen und Selbständige bewährt sich nun. Der Kanton Schaffhausen hat innert Tagen gezielt und konsequent mit einem umfassenden Sofortmassnahmenpaket reagiert. Dank kurzer Wege werden Lösungen für individuelle Bedürfnisse und Problemsituationen mit den einzelnen Firmen entwickelt. ■

Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Schaffhausen
Christoph Schärrer, Delegierter
für Wirtschaftsförderung
Telefon +41 52 674 03
info@standort.sh.ch

Kanton Tessin, Stefano Rizzi

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Stefano Rizzi: Abgesehen von der strategischen Lage zwischen zwei der wichtigsten Wirtschaftsregionen Europas – Zürich und Mailand – bietet das Tessin ein exzellentes akademisches Umfeld mit Forschungsinstituten von Weltrang. Wir haben eine gute Verfügbarkeit von qualitativ hochstehenden Berufsprofilen auf dem Arbeitsmarkt sowie ein regionales Innovationsystem, das alle Akteure auf einfache Weise miteinander vernetzt und optimale Bedingungen für die Realisierung von Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekten bietet. Das Tessin rangiert gemäss dem «Innovation Scoreboard 2019» der europäischen Kommission hinter Zürich auf dem zweiten Rang von 234 berücksichtigten Regionen Europas.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Es handelt sich dabei vor allem um internationale Firmen, welche im Tessin eine Niederlassung zur Produktion, Forschung und Entwicklung suchen. Dazu kommen Hightech-Firmen und/oder solche, die hochqualifiziertes Personal benötigen. Die Unternehmen stammen vorwiegend aus den Sektoren Life Sciences, Lifestyletech, Mechatronik, Blockchain und generell Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
In den letzten Jahren haben wir das umfassende regionale Innovationssystem und eine Förderstrategie für innovative Start-ups ent-
wickelt sowie positive Synergien zwischen Behörden, Instituten und Partnern auf dem ganzen Kantonsgebiet geschaffen. Zudem haben wir unsere Innovationsförderungsstiftung AGIRE stark ausgebaut. Ein weiterer Meilenstein ist unsere Mitgliedschaft in der Greater Zurich Area (GZA). Parallel dazu können wir eine stetig wachsende Zusammenarbeit zwischen Unternehmen und Forschungsinstituten und eine sehr erfreuliche Zunahme von Forschungsprojekten verzeichnen, welche auch dank der Unterstützungsbeiträge aufgrund unseres Gesetzes über wirtschaftliche Innovation möglich gemacht werden.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Wir schauen zuversichtlich auf unsere Kandidatur für den Anschluss an das Netzwerk Switzerland Innovation Park sowie die Schaffung von Kompetenzzentren in den Sektoren Life Sciences, Mechatronik, Drohnen sowie Blockchain und künstlicher Intelligenz. Grosse Hoffnungen hegen wir in die bereits laufende Entwicklung des neuen Arbeits-, Bildungs- und Wohnquartiers und zukünftigen Stand-
orts des Innovationsparks auf dem Areal des jetzigen SBB-Industriewerks beim Bahnhof Bellinzona, das ab 2026 realisiert werden soll.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Das Tessin war einer der am stärksten betroffenen Kantone zu Beginn der Coronakrise. Dank der prompten Reaktion aller Beteiligten konnte Schlimmeres abgewendet werden. Auch die Unternehmen haben gut auf die schwierigen Zeiten reagiert und ihre Aktivitäten bereits wieder aufgenommen. Dieses gelungene Zusammenspiel hat gleichzeitig zur Stärkung des Images des Kantons Tessin als solider und sicherer Kanton beigetragen.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Beim Ausbruch der Coronakrise haben wir unverzüglich Runde Tische mit Vertretern aus der Wirtschaft, Politik und Forschung einberufen, um gemeinsam kurz-, mittel und langfristigwirkende Massnahmen zur Wiederbelebung der Wirtschaft zu erarbeiten. Dazu kommt die vermehrte Unterstützung der Unternehmen im Bereich der wirtschaftlichen Innovation. Das vom Finanz- und Wirtschaftsdepartement initiierte Projekt «Vivi il tuo Ticino – Lebe dein Tessin» soll die Tessiner dazu anregen, den eigenen Kanton als Ferienort zu entdecken. ■

Dipartimento delle finanze e dell’economia
Divisione dell’economia
Stefano Rizzi, Direktor
www.ti.ch/economia

Kanton Zug, Beat Bachmann

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Beat Bachmann: Der Zuger Wirtschaftsraum bietet ein Gesamtpaket an herausragenden Standortfaktoren: Die ausgeprägte Wirtschaftsfreundlichkeit, politische und finanzielle Stabilität, attraktive Steuern für Firmen und Privatpersonen, Internationalität sowie der Pool an verfügbaren Fachkräften, der wiederum eine Magnetwirkung ausübt. Dazu kommen Investitionen in Bildung, die gute Erreichbarkeit, die hervorragende Lebensqualität sowie ein effektives Geschäftsumfeld. Der Kanton Zug ist Teil der Greater Zurich Area (GZA) und des Metropolitanraums Zürich, einer der weltweit attraktivsten Wirtschaftsräume.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Unternehmen aus breit diversifizierten Branchengruppen: Life Science (Pharma / Biotech / Medtech), Grosshandel, High Tech Industrie, Finanzwirtschaft, Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (inkl. Fintech und Blockchain) sowie internationale Headquarters.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Mit der Umsetzung der Steuerreform per 1. Januar 2020 bleibt der Wirtschaftsstandort Zug im internationalen Wettbewerb für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen langfristig weiterhin sehr attraktiv. Die führenden Branchen haben sich positiv entwickelt und sind noch stärker geworden, insbesondere Life Science mit Pharma und Medtech, Handel/Trading sowie Blockchain, Tech und IT. In diesen Bereichen sind auch viele Start-ups entstanden. Mit der Inbetriebnahme des Departements Informatik der HSLU in Rotkreuz und dem bevorstehenden Start der Höheren Fachschule für Informatik und Elektronik am Gewerblich-industriellen Bildungszentrum Zug investiert der Kanton in Talente und künftige Fachkräfte.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Wir hoffen, dass sich die – vor der Krise prosperierende – Wirtschaft gut erholt und erwarten, dass sich die Branchencluster erfolgreich weiterentwickeln und dass der Kanton weiterhin zu den attraktivsten Standorten zählt.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Der Zuger Wirtschaftsraum ist international stark vernetzt, globale Ereignisse haben eine grosse Auswirkung. Einen wesentlichen Einfluss hat die Entwicklung des Weltmarkts. Im dritten Quartal werden wir über klarere Informationen verfügen. Der Zuger Regierungsrat plant die kommenden Monate mit verschiedenen Szenarien; er verfolgt mit einem Monitoring ausgewählter Indikatoren die Erholung der Wirtschaft genau.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Die Vertreterinnen und Vertreter des Kantons stehen im stetigen Austausch mit den ansässigen Unternehmen, Wirtschaftsverbänden und Organisationen. Dieses Netzwerk hat in den letzten Monaten seine Tragfähigkeit bewiesen. Die Nähe zur Zuger Wirtschaft und daraus folgend die Kenntnisse der Situation, auch die der Kleinst- und Kleinfirmen, hat geholfen, die Stützungsmassnahmen des Kantons, die die Massnahmen des Bundes ergänzen, so zu gestalten, dass zumindest die grundlegendsten Bedürfnisse gedeckt werden können. ■

Volkswirtschaftsdirektion Kanton Zug
Beat Bachmann,
Leiter Kontaktstelle Wirtschaft Zug
Telefon +41 41 728 55 04
www.zg.ch/economy
economy@zg.ch

Kanton Zürich, Matthias Inhauen

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Matthias Inauen: Das Wirtschafts- und Technologiezentrum Zürich bietet Unternehmen ein attraktives Ökosystem mit Weltruf. Dazu gehören die hohe Verfügbarkeit von Fachkräften, Spitzen-Hochschulen, höchste Lebensqualität, erstklassige Verkehrsin-
frastruktur und ein dynamisches Netzwerk aus internationalen Grosskonzernen, innovativen mittelständischen Unternehmen und hochspezialisierten Kleinbetrieben. Die gut diversifizierte Zürcher Wirtschaft und eine nachhaltige Finanzpolitik des Kantons gewährleisten stabile Aussichten.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Es sind Unternehmen, die ihre Innovationsstärke ausbauen möchten, Fachkräfte suchen, ihren internationalen Marktzugang aufbauen und dafür einen zentralen sowie langfristig stabilen Standort suchen. Wir begleiten vor allem wissens- und wertschöpfungsintensive Unternehmen aus den Branchen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie, Life Sciences, Finance sowie Business and corporate services.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Verkehrsinfrastrukturprojekte wie die Limmattalbahn haben die Erreichbarkeit für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft weiter verbessert. Für die Zürcher Unternehmen war es in den letzten eineinhalb Jahren zudem einfacher, qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte zu finden als noch im Jahr 2018. Der Steuersatz für juristische Personen wurde massvoll gesenkt und der Spielraum bei den neuen Steuerinstrumenten für forschungsintensive Unternehmen wird voll ausgenutzt.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Die Entwicklung des Standorts Zürich steht ganz unter dem Zeichen von Innovation und neue Technologien. Eines unserer grossen Projekte ist der Innovationspark Dübendorf, der auch ein Testlabor ist, um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit noch weiter zu steigern. Weiter steht die Mobilität im Zentrum, ob auf der Strasse, auf der Schiene, auf dem Velo oder zu Fuss. Dabei sind wir auch offen für die Digitalisierung und Nutzung neuer Technologien wie Drohnen oder Hyperloop.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Die Mehrheit der Unternehmen im Kanton Zürich leidet unter der Coronakrise. Als höchst internationaler und vom Ausland abhängiger Standort bergen die protektionistischen Entwicklungen ein erhöhtes Risiko, Exporte und Wertschöpfungsketten werden unterbrochen, der Konsum sinkt, und auch der internationale Flughafenstandort Zürich leidet. Aber wir sehen auch positive Entwicklungen: Zum Beispiel im Bereich Life Sciences und Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie mit einem Sprung im Bereich der Digitalisierung, Home-Office und flexiblen Arbeitszeitregelungen.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Mit einer enormen Geschwindigkeit hat neben dem Bund komplementär auch der Kanton Zürich ein Notstandmassnahmen-Paket im Umfang von einer halben Milliarde Franken zur Unterstützung der Wirtschaft beschlossen. Wir stehen dabei in engem Austausch mit der Wirtschaft. Ziel ist es, Arbeitsplätze und Einkommen im Kanton Zürich möglichst weitgehend zu sichern. Auch die Städte und Gemeinden unterstützen in Koordination mit dem Kanton mit bedürfnisnahen Lösungen, beispielsweise für Selbstständige und die Kreativitätsbranche. ■

Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit Kt. Zürich
Matthias Inauen,
Leiter Firmenansiedlungen
Telefon +41 43 259 26 78
www.standort.zh.ch
matthias.inauen@vd.zh.ch

Kanton Uri, Stefan Büeler

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Stefan Büeler: Der Kanton Uri liegt direkt an der zentralen europäischen Nord-Süd-Achse und besitzt sowohl auf der Strasse als auch auf der Schiene schnelle Verbindungen Richtung Norden und Süden. Wir bieten ein optimales Kostenumfeld, wo ein Unternehmen seine Pläne preiswerter umsetzen kann und den Arbeitnehmenden dank tiefen Steuern und Abgaben am meisten Geld zum Leben übrigbleibt. Arbeitskräfte schätzen es, im Naturparadies leben und arbeiten zu können.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Es sind Unternehmen aus allen möglichen Branchen, welche hier noch gut erschlossenes Bauland oder Gewerberäumlichkeiten zu vernünftigen Preisen finden. Branchenbezogen sind es oftmals Unternehmen aus dem tourismusnahen Umfeld, aus der Metallverarbeitung, aus der Wintersporttechnologie (z. B. Seilbahnen) oder aus dem Bereich Verkehr/Mobilität. Jüngst lassen sich auch immer mehr digitale Nomaden nieder, die ortsunabhängig arbeiten.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Im Kanton Uri wurden in den letzten fünf Jahren enorm viele Infrastruktur-Investitionen getätigt. Der Gotthard-Basistunnel wurde eröffnet, und in Altdorf ist der neue Kantonsbahnhof im Bau. Gleich daneben entwickeln wir mit der Werkmatt Uri ein grosses Industrie- und Gewerbegebiet. Andermatt wurde der wohl aufstrebendste Tourismusort der Alpen mit entsprechenden zeitgemässen Inf-
rastrukturen. Zudem hat der Kanton Uri die Unternehmenssteuern deutlich gesenkt.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Der Kantonsbahnhof Altdorf wird zu einer neuen ÖV-Drehscheibe auf der Nord-Süd-Achse. Dabei entwickelt sich ein neues urbanes Zentrum mit vielen privaten Immobilienprojekten. Dazu trägt auch das Areal Werkmatt Uri in unmittelbarer Umgebung bei, das einen eigenen Autobahnanschluss erhält. Ende 2022 wird das neue Kantonsspital eröffnet. Der Bau des zweiten Gotthard-Strassentunnels wird zusätzliche Wertschöpfung in den Kanton bringen, und die touristische Entwicklung in Andermatt wird weiterhin für positive Schlagzeilen sorgen.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Natürlich ist es für die meisten Unternehmen keine einfache Zeit. Bisher haben die Urner Betriebe die Krise jedoch mit viel Eigeninitiative im Grossen und Ganzen gut gemeistert. In verschiedenen Bereichen gibt es denn auch bereits wieder positive Signale, insbesondere auch aus dem Tourismus. Dennoch stehen die meisten Unternehmen in den nächsten Monaten weiterhin vor sehr grossen Herausforderungen, um die Folgen der Krise bewältigen zu können.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Wir stehen im regelmässigen Austausch mit unseren Unternehmen und den Wirtschaftsverbänden und suchen nach massgeschneiderten Lösungen. Für Härtefälle stellen wir Mittel aus dem Wirtschaftsförderungs-Fonds zur Verfügung. Wir unterstützen verschiedene Initiativen zur Schaffung von neuen Angeboten, insbesondere im Tourismus. Mit dem neuen Umsetzungsprogramm der Neuen Regionalpolitik steht uns hierzu ein wirksames Impulsprogramm zur Verfügung. ■

Volkswirtschaftsdirektion
Stefan Büeler, Leiter Abt. Wirtschaft
und Tourismus
Telefon +41 41 875 24 08
www.standort-uri.ch
stefan.bueeler@ur.ch

Kanton Schwyz, Roman Morger

Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
Roman Morger: Der Kanton Schwyz bietet eine ideale Lage im dynamischen Wirtschaftsraum Zürich, ein grosses Angebot an hoch qualifizierten Arbeitskräften und dazu eine der tiefsten Steuerbelastungen für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen in der Schweiz. Ausserdem finden sich hier zahlreiche europäische und weltweite
Headquarters sowie internationale Schulen.

Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
Nationale und internationale Headquarters sowie Unternehmen der Finanzindustrie aus den Bereichen Vermögensverwaltung, Private Equity, Hedge Funds und Family Offices. Dazu kommen Unternehmen des Gesundheitswesens wie Medizintechnik, Pharma, Biotechnologie, Diagnostik und Dienstleistungsfirmen allgemeiner Art sowie Hersteller von hochwertigen Produkten.

Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
Der Baustart des Bauprojekts «Hertipark» in Brunnen ist erfolgt. Der Baustart der Etappe 1 des Bauprojekts «Nova Brunnen» in Brunnen ist auf anfangs 2021 geplant. Abgeschlossen ist der Studien-
auftrag für die Umnutzung Zeughausareal Seewen-Schwyz und die Schnellzugsverbindung Mailand –Zürich mit Halt in Arth-Gold-
au wurde eröffnet. Die Neugestaltung des Bahnhofplatzes Arth-Goldau sowie die Umnutzung des Areals Bahnhof Süd für Arbeiten und Wohnen ist im Gange.

Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
Wir erwarten eine Zunahme von Home-Office und Co-Working Arbeitsplätzen sowie eine internationale Steuerharmonisierung in Bereichen wie Umsatzbesteuerung und Mindestbesteuerung (BEPS). Firmenansiedlungen erfolgen dort, wo entsprechend hoch qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte vorhanden sind. Unternehmen evaluieren ihre Wertschöpfungsketten – das internationale Interesse, um wertschöpfungsstarke Arbeitsplätze in der Schweiz aufzubauen, wird zunehmen.

Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
Zahlreiche Unternehmen haben Kurzarbeit eingeführt. Stand 17. Juli 2020 haben rund 3000 Unternehmen Kurzarbeitsentschädi-
gung erhalten, insgesamt wurden 85 Millionen Franken ausbezahlt.

Viele Firmen werden 2020 wirtschaftlich ein schlechtes Jahr verzeichnen – der Kanton Schwyz erwartet deshalb einen Rückgang der Steuereinnahmen bei Unternehmen und Privatpersonen. Die Arbeitslosenzahlen dürften sich in den kommenden Monaten erhöhen.

Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
Wie bezahlen Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen aus sowie Erwerbsersatz-Entschädigungen durch die Ausgleichskasse Schwyz. Unternehmen erhalten Überbrückungskredite durch den Bund und den Start-Ups wird ebenfalls mit Überbrückungskrediten durch den Bund und den Kanton Schwyz unter die Arme gegriffen. Ausserdem haben wir das Impulsprogramm «Hopp Schwyz» lanciert. ■

Amt für Wirtschaft Kanton Schwyz
Roman Morger, Projektleiter
Wirtschaftsförderung
Telefon +41 41 819 16 48
www.schwyz-wirtschaft.ch
roman.morger@sz.ch

October 2020
Development of the area of the former canton hospital

The area to be built is only a few minutes' walk from Zug's old town and has excellent development potential, writes the building construction department of the canton of Zug in a message. There is a legally valid development plan for the area. This includes various construction areas with public uses, gastronomy and hotel uses, apartments and old-age living. In a two-stage competition process, a suitable team of investors, operators and planners is to be evaluated in order to find a competitive building lease offer and the best development concept for the area.
Submit a binding offer
In the current phase 1b “shortlist”, the teams selected from phase 1a “prequalification” would be given the opportunity to deepen their proposals and submit a binding offer for building permits. After the legally binding construction contract and the development agreement between the canton and the investor of the winning concept have been concluded, the latter will take responsibility for the implementation of stage 2 «architectural competition / study contract». In doing so, the project is to be evaluated, which is able to implement the framework conditions of the development plan as well as the selected development concept from the 1st stage, writes the building department. ■
Contact
Construction Department of the Canton of Zug
Building Department
Telephone +41 (0) 41 728 54 00
Info.hba@zg.ch
www.zg.ch/hochbauamt

October 2020
Glattpark – or how a swamp becomes a city

The Oberhauserriet – today's Glattpark – has a long and eventful history behind it. The planning of the development of the former swamp and agricultural area took more than forty years. After the approval of the neighborhood plan in 2001, however, the development picked up speed: A new district of Opfikon was built on what was once a green field at a rapid pace, with currently around 5780 residents and 3100 jobs in the neighborhood plan area. Today the Glattpark has a model character in its uniqueness. A new book, which appeared in mid-September, shows challenges and solutions on the way from the meadow to the urban district and traces the individual development steps. **
Breathe life into a vision
The founding of an organization that was unique in Switzerland at that time contributed significantly to the success of the Glattpark: a merger of several landowners to form a superordinate area marketing department, which was responsible for the overall marketing of the Oberhauserriet. The aim was to create a common brand from which all individual projects would in turn benefit. The new organization – the Glattpark area marketing – was supposed to act as an information hub for landowners, the media and the general public on the one hand, and to provide marketing services to the individual landowners on the other. But first and foremost, it should breathe life into a vision, because offices and apartments should not simply be built in Oberhauserriet – an urban vision would be realized here. Communication with the development area therefore required a way of thinking that went beyond the mere application of individual projects.
Marketing offensive for a meadow
In view of the rather difficult economic environment at the time, the establishment of joint area marketing must be described as courageous. The developments at the airport and in terms of aircraft noise, the uncertain realization of the Glattalbahn – a location advantage that should not be underestimated for the new district – but also the generally difficult economic situation made "big hits" appear difficult. The area marketing Glattpark was aware of this fact from the beginning, but saw the overall quality of the area as an opportunity. The success soon proved the area marketing right: Thanks to extensive marketing and communication measures, the organization quickly developed into the central information and contact point for the new district. When marketing the area, it was initially about making the vision visible. For this purpose, the Glattpark area marketing relied on the one hand on visualizations and on the other hand on a large model that was constantly updated. In the specially set up showroom, interested parties and investors were able to get an idea of the future district. In addition, a comprehensive website offered a lot of information. Events, trade fair appearances and classic media work complemented the marketing measures. And finally the former Riet even became a town: in 2005 the Glattpark officially became a separate district with the postal address “8152 Glattpark (Opfikon)”. The process was initiated by the landowners: They were rightly convinced that the «Glattpark» postal address would contribute a lot to branding.
Coordination between landowners and the city
Another important success factor for the development of the Glattpark was the close cooperation between the city of Opfikon and the landowners. The complexity of the development of a new district also made it necessary for the city of Opfikon to create new forms of organization: the Glattpark area management. The new organization was commissioned by the Opfikon City Council to take over the strategic and operational management of the new district. The area management should include the needs of all administrative departments in the city that affected Glattpark in the development process. The main task of the committee, however, was the overall coordination and the exchange of information between those involved. Representatives of the authorities, administrative employees, landowners' representatives and external specialists from the areas of spatial planning, marketing, business administration and social science had a seat in the area management.
What the urban heart desires
With the rapid construction progress in Glattpark, the new district quickly revived – and thanks to the establishment of an active neighborhood association, the initiative of committed residents and external organizers, it developed its own neighborhood identity. The "Glattpark-Barometer" showed the concerns of the residents – and initiated various measures to improve the quality of life. So Glattpark became more and more popular with families; and the demand for a school building of their own grew correspondingly louder. After several referendums, nothing stands in the way of its realization. And so the new district will soon really offer everything that the urban heart desires: a comprehensive district supply with shops and services, optimal connections to public transport, a spacious park landscape with its own lake, crèches, kindergarten and soon a primary school. ■
* Alexandra Vogel is the head of the office of the Swiss Association for Location Management SVSM
** The book “Glattpark – a city is created”, published by IGG Glattpark, can be ordered by e-mail to info@glattpark.ch or by phone on 043 211 50 10 for CHF 50 plus shipping costs. The book with high-quality hardcover binding in the format 24 x 34 cm traces the eventful history of the development area on 128 pages with texts, pictures, quotations and newspaper articles. The book has been available since mid-September.

October 2020
Vision for the further development of the "Metalli living space"

For Zug Estates the starting point is clear: the area around the “Metalli” shopping center has become an important meeting place for the city of Zug. In order for the quarter to be able to meet future needs after more than thirty years of existence, it must develop further. To this end, more space is to be created for living, working and leisure. In addition, there should be free spaces and new uses that offer the Zug population real added value.
In March of this year, Zug Estates and the city of Zug presented the first result of the joint planning process “Metalli living space”. The jury selected the study by the planning team Hosoya Schaefer Architects, NYX architectes, Lorenz Eugster Landscape Architecture and Urban Development and the Zug office of TEAMverkehr.zug for the future design. According to architect Markus Schaefer, the central idea of this further development project is to detach the "Metalli" from their island existence and to better intertwine them with their urban surroundings.
Development process lasting several years
Preserving the tried and tested and at the same time creating a lot of space for new things – this is how the basic idea for the future design of the 30,000 square meter living space “Metalli” in the heart of the city of Zug can be summarized. The results of the competition process are the first step in a multi-year joint development process by
Authorities and builders.
The urban development concept of the team around Hosoya Schaefer intends to preserve the majority of today's buildings around the shopping center. A new building is to be added, no more than seventy meters high, on the corner of Baarerstrasse and Metallstrasse. Several existing buildings will also be topped up. Overall, more space is to be created for apartments, hotels, offices, restaurants, shops and other, partly public-oriented uses. A spatial realignment and the demolition of existing buildings in places will create a new town square with space for a wide range of uses on Baarerstrasse on the Bahnhof-Metalli axis.
Acceptance in the population
"A defining feature of the new overall concept‹ Lebensraum Metalli ›is the upgrading of the outside space through more intensive greening across all spaces and along the connecting axes," says Deputy Head of Project Development and Overall Project Manager Florian Diener. Even the roof areas are included in the outdoor space concept and – also a concern of the Zug population – made partially accessible to the public. “The principle of the glass roofing of the shopping arcade is retained and will be expanded. The area around the Metalli shopping center is a central intersection on the Zug – Baar axis and an important functional urban space for the population of Zug. In order for it to be able to fulfill this task in the long term, it should be carefully further developed in line with the overall development of the city of Zug over the next few years. In addition to the requirements of the authorities and the landowner, concerns and wishes from the Zug population also flowed into the task for the three planning teams. “We communicate all project progress transparently, because public acceptance is the be-all and end-all of our project,” adds Diener.
Gradual implementation over the next few years
From the favored draft of the planning team under the leadership of Hosoya Schaefer Architects, a straightening project is created, which forms the basis for a later development plan. This process phase will take about two years. The first structural measures can therefore take place in 2023 at the earliest. "The final start of construction ultimately also depends on the will of politics and the population," emphasizes Florian Diener. ■

October 2020
Extended tram depot including 193 rental apartments

The new building project emerged as the winner of an architecture competition in 2016. The project was penned by Morger Partner Architects from Basel. The project was particularly convincing with its high space and volume efficiency, which, in addition to cost advantages, also promises energetic and operational benefits, emphasize the project managers. The building project “Tram depot and housing estate Depot Hard” includes the partial renovation of the existing, listed tram depot from 1912, the construction of a modern depot hall with a total of 25 tram parking spaces. In addition, there are provision, maintenance and repair areas as well as operating and service rooms for the Zurich transport company.
Living space for around 550 people
In addition, a new urban housing estate is being built with a total of 193 apartments of various sizes. It offers living space for around 550 people. In addition to apartments in the base construction on the Limmat, maisonette apartments (townhouses) are being built. They offer direct access to the courtyard. The offer is to be supplemented with apartment blocks in the two high-rise buildings. They extend to the 22nd and 23rd floors respectively. In addition, various studio, commercial and service areas as well as a public footpath and bicycle path with lounge areas are planned along the Limmat.
Tram depot as the base of the development
The new tram depot forms the base of the superstructure and is built over with two-storey row buildings as a geometric connection to the residential buildings of the existing complex, explain the project managers. This creates a relationship to the existing building both in terms of the height of the building and in terms of its geometry. The area between the row buildings is to be used as a spacious and versatile courtyard for the residents of the housing estate. The two high-rise residential buildings, which will be located together with the two existing high-rise buildings on the opposite side of Hardturmstrasse, mark the entrance to the Zurich-West quarter. ■

October 2020

Category: Regions

Tobias Rotermund

Marc Lyon

Claudia Siegle

Roland Thoma

René Frauenknecht

Tobias Achermann

Valentin Müller

Dr. Werner Schaeppi

Kanton Solothurn, Sarah Koch

Kanton Graubünden, Eugen Arpagaus

Kanton Glarus, Stefan Elmer

Kanton Schaffhausen, Christoph Schärrer

Kanton Tessin, Stefano Rizzi

Kanton Zug, Beat Bachmann

Kanton Zürich, Matthias Inhauen

Kanton Uri, Stefan Büeler

Kanton Schwyz, Roman Morger