immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Budget

  • Densification changes cities

    Densification changes cities

    The study “Construction activity and displacement”, carried out by ETH Zurich on behalf of the Federal Office for Housing, shows that over the last two decades, settlement development in Switzerland has clearly been inward-looking. New housing is being built in urban areas, primarily through replacement construction and the conversion of industrial and commercial zones, rather than on greenfield sites. In cities such as Basel, a quarter of new flats were built on former industrial sites.

    More flats despite fewer new builds
    Although the number of newly built residential buildings is falling slightly, the net number of flats continues to increase. This is due to the efficiency of densification. In Basel, Geneva and Lausanne, up to twice as many new units are being built per demolished flat than in Bern or Zurich. Densification is thus becoming the central lever for creating living space in densely populated areas.

    Who is being displaced?
    The downside of densification can be seen in the social composition of the neighbourhoods affected. In Zurich in particular, long-term tenants often lose their homes due to demolition or total refurbishment. Those who have to move out often have a significantly lower income, up to 40 per cent less than the average. In contrast, households with above-average incomes move into new builds.

    Migration and income as a risk factor
    The study also reveals structural disadvantages. Asylum seekers, refugees and people of African descent are disproportionately affected by displacement. This means that structural densification particularly affects those who are most dependent on affordable housing and who often can no longer find it in the same municipality. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of those affected, up to 64 per cent, manage to stay within their municipality.

    Cities in transition – socially balanced?
    From a spatial planning perspective, densification is sensible and necessary. However, it not only changes the cityscape, but also the social structure of neighbourhoods. The challenge in the coming years will be to shape change in such a way that it does not lead to social division, but to mixed, resilient cities with living space for everyone.

  • Rahel Kindermann Leuthard is the new head of FRZ Zurich Airport Region

    Rahel Kindermann Leuthard is the new head of FRZ Zurich Airport Region

    The FRZ Zurich Airport Region has a new managing director: At the 11th general meeting, Rahel Kindermann Leuthard took over the operational management of the FRZ, which is both a location developer and a business network. She thus succeeds Christoph Lang, who will continue to work as brand ambassador for FRZ.

    As Kindermann Leuthard emphasised in her speech, according to a FRZ statement, the organisation with its approximately 1,000 decision-makers from around 800 companies and 14 cities and municipalities is “a great success story”. At its helm, she does not want to reinvent the wheel, but merely “adjust the compass”. She has named the Digital Hub, ecological and social sustainability, age and gender diversity, promotion of young talent and labour shortage, mobility and leadership as her main topics.

    Kindermann Leuthard most recently headed the Coaching and Education Department at the City of Zurich with 70 employees. Before that, she worked for Flughafen Zürich AG and the airline Swiss, among others.

    The 187 voters approved all agenda items of the FRZ. The budget was also approved. in 2022, the FRZ reported a 10 per cent growth in membership. Total income increased by 21 per cent in the year under review. Membership fees from cities and municipalities grew by 6.8 per cent, those from companies by 10.3 per cent. Income from sponsoring, annual partnerships and member events increased strongly by 46.6 per cent.