immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: développement urbain

  • The Quai Vernets project in Geneva with 12,400 homes

    The Quai Vernets project in Geneva with 12,400 homes

    The Quai Vernets project in Geneva is a perfect example of forward-looking urban development focused on sustainable living spaces. This diversity of housing options contributes to an inclusive community based on the principles of the social and solidarity economy.

    The collaboration between the pilot companies Losinger Marazzi and Pillet SA, the eight developers of the ENSEMBLE team and the local authorities has resulted in a unique neighbourhood, unrivalled in Switzerland, that stands out for its innovative and sustainable character. The project is part of the PAV programme and aims to redefine the concept of “living in the city”.

    Historically, the height of buildings in Geneva has been between 18 and 24 metres. In the PAV, however, they start at 30 metres, and a residential building on the site planned for the barracks will be 80 metres high. Even so, this is still “low” compared to the office towers that will be built in the planned “Étoile” business district. These will be up to 175 metres high, making them the tallest buildings in Geneva.

    In a city with the lowest housing vacancy rate in Switzerland, it makes more sense from an urban planning point of view to have housing and service businesses in close proximity to the centre rather than garages and factories. Half of all construction projects are expected to be completed over the next twenty years. This will depend on the economic situation and changes in demand for housing and workspace.

    When building projects are implemented, the canton is in the boat, with the exception of public infrastructure. It puts building plots out to tender as part of the allocation plans, after which investors can apply for a specific project. Long-term leases are awarded by the cantonal government. The next stage is planning on the barracks site, which is currently still used by soldiers. A neighbourhood comprising several residential blocks, a school building and an office complex is planned. It will probably take half a century to redevelop the whole town.

    As well as creating housing, the project also includes sustainable infrastructure measures such as rehabilitating the banks of the Arve and converting a car park into a tree plantation. These measures will not only promote biodiversity, but also enhance the quality of life in the new district. Intensive cooperation between all the partners involved will ensure that the project blends seamlessly into the existing urban environment.

    The commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable construction methods is another key element of the project. Losinger Marazzi demonstrates by example how resources are used responsibly through the recycling of materials and the choice of sustainable technologies and methods. The provision of 3,000 bicycle parking spaces and the creation of pedestrian zones also underline the commitment to soft mobility.

    Overall, the Quai Vernets project shows how visionary planning and cooperative collaboration can give rise to a viable and liveable neighbourhood that meets the requirements of modern, sustainable and socially inclusive urban living.

  • Ariane Widmer Pham talks about architectural culture and sustainable urban development in Geneva

    Ariane Widmer Pham talks about architectural culture and sustainable urban development in Geneva

    Ariane Widmer Pham is a passionate architect and urban planner who has been working for many years to promote a high-quality built environment in Switzerland. Her involvement with the Foundation for Building Culture in Switzerland is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of building culture among a wide audience – from professionals and local authorities to the business and property sectors. Ariane Widmer Pham emphasises that good urban planning, careful architecture and a high level of building culture make a decisive contribution to ensuring that people feel comfortable in their living and working environments.

    The importance of building culture
    Building culture is not something that can be taken for granted across the board, but something that people need to be aware of. Ariane Widmer Pham explains that building culture should be integrated into basic education to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our built environment. The sense of community, the simplicity of construction and the closeness to craftsmanship, as was once the case, has been lost. Today, it is important to re-establish a relationship with materials and construction, and to promote the collective idea of the city as a shared project.

    The challenges and objectives of urban planning in Geneva
    Geneva is characterised by a very small area, which results in high urban density and a strong need for regulation. This context calls for meticulous, quality-oriented planning. Widmer Pham emphasises the need to develop projects that are sensitive to and in dialogue with the city’s heritage. Geneva was one of the first cities to be included in the Federal Inventory of Built Sites of National Importance to be Protected in Switzerland (ISOS), which has helped to reinforce quality and sensitivity with regard to urban development.

    Conurbation project and ecological transition
    The Greater Geneva Conurbation Project, launched in 2007, has made a major contribution to the coordination of transport and urban development. The development of inter-municipal sectors coordinated with transport infrastructure has proved its worth, but still faces major challenges. The vision of development that guides agglomeration projects is regularly revised to meet current requirements, such as the goal of zero net emissions.

    Participatory processes in urban planning
    Participatory approaches are an essential part of urban planning in Geneva. Since 2015, the law has stipulated that planning processes must be accompanied by consultation procedures. These procedures allow the population to share their experiences and needs, which leads to greater acceptance of projects. Widmer Pham emphasises that broad citizen participation helps to develop projects that meet the real needs of local residents.

    Future prospects and innovative approaches
    The challenges of densification and sustainable urban development in Geneva call for innovative approaches and close collaboration between different players. They require nuanced approaches to identifying and mobilising sectors with potential for change, particularly in post-war peripheral areas. This development sometimes involves an approach that can be described as “lace urbanism”, in which the solutions lie more in architecture than in planning. Ariane Widmer Pham stresses the need to approach existing buildings with sensitivity, in order to recognise and exploit their potential.
    Ariane Widmer Pham is an impressive example of how building culture and sustainable urban development go hand in hand. Her commitment and expertise are helping to ensure that Geneva continues to serve as an example of quality urban planning. Promoting a culture of building, participatory processes and innovative approaches to densification are essential elements of sustainable urban transformation that meet the needs of residents as well as the requirements of environmental protection and sustainability.