Tag: genève

New underground station in Geneva – the biggest rail project of the 21st century

The definitive design for Geneva’s underground station has recently been finalised. After lengthy consultations, the partners involved – the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), the Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva and SBB – have agreed on the final details that will significantly increase capacity. The new station will include not only two additional subways for passengers, but also a two-track tunnel to the airport, a clear improvement on the initial project.

Geneva-Cornavin station, Switzerland’s third-largest railway station, plays a crucial role in daily commuter traffic, both within the country and internationally. Every day, 156,000 passengers use the station. The new underground section, which is part of the “Léman 2030” programme, will considerably improve the efficiency of transport in the Lake Geneva basin and the Geneva conurbation. The plan is to run at least three additional long-distance trains per hour and per direction, and to increase the frequency of service on the La Plaine – Geneva line to a quarter-hourly frequency.

In addition to the new transit zones, which will facilitate transit through the station and simplify access to the platforms, further studies have been carried out at the request of the sponsors. These studies have led to solutions that will increase the capacity of the existing station once the underground station is in service. A new central subway and an eastern subway along Rue des Alpes will be created. Planning for the modernisation of the existing surface platform, however, will remain a separate project at a later date.

The costs and timetable for the new underground station are still being finalised and are expected to be announced sometime in 2024, with the public tender likely to be launched in late 2027. Work on the underground station is estimated to take around nine years, with a budget of around CHF 1.9 billion, financed by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. Entry into service is scheduled for 2038.

The partners are delighted with the progress of the planning and recognise the progress made in their cooperation. At the same time, they are aware of the many challenges that still need to be overcome to ensure the success of the project. A detailed presentation of the project is planned for the second half of 2024 to provide a detailed overview of progress and tasks ahead.

July 2024
Grands Esserts project in Veyrier

At the heart of the project is the Jean-Piaget esplanade which, together with the Promenade des Cirses, characterises the green and open spaces of the site. This well thought-out layout underlines the value of high environmental standards and serves the city’s strategy to combat climate change. The planning takes strict account of the principles of ecological sustainability in order to create a living space that benefits both residents and the environment.

Participatory approach to planning
Extensive consultation with local and cantonal stakeholders, as well as future users, helps to lay the foundations for the urban development, mobility and environmental design of the new district. These collaborative planning processes ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process and contribute to the acceptance of the project.

Promoting soft mobility and optimum accessibility
Promoting soft mobility is at the heart of the transport planning for Les Grands Esserts. A network of attractive cycle paths and footpaths links the new district to key points such as Geneva city centre, Carouge and Veyrier. This infrastructure is complemented by an improved connection to the public transport network, in particular the Léman Express, which facilitates car-free mobility within the area.

Preserving and enhancing the natural environment
Particular attention is being paid to preserving and enhancing natural resources such as the forest edge and the landscaping of the Promenade des Cirses. These measures not only help to preserve biodiversity, but also provide residents with high-quality recreational areas.

The Grands Esserts project is setting new standards in residential and commercial development by fully integrating ecological principles and creating an inclusive and sustainable community. With completion of the first phase of construction by 2030, Grands Esserts will become a model of urban living in harmony with the environment.

July 2024
Tréfle Blanc ice rink by architects from the Chabanne agency

The Tréfle Blanc ice rink was selected as an outstanding project in the international architecture competition. Chabanne architects worked on this ambitious project in collaboration with partners such as Architech SA, WSP-BG Ingénieurs Conseils, Ingeni, Oxalis and RR-A.
The “Tréfle Blanc” project comprises a multitude of attractions, including a main rink with seating for over 8,600, an additional ice rink and extensive VIP, catering and exhibition areas, covering a total surface area of 2,700 m². The design of the outdoor spaces and surrounding areas has also been carefully planned to ensure seamless integration.

Particular attention has been paid to the aesthetics of the building, including the sculptural facades that emphasise the dynamic volume of the construction. The architecture of the project also reflects the identity of the Geneva-Servette Hockey Club, which has been symbolically included as the club of the Nid des Aigles.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role. The project relies on the use of environmentally-friendly materials, such as wood, which is used not only for the construction of the main rink, but also for the frames of the ice rinks. In addition, energy is generated from renewable sources, such as the use of ground energy and photovoltaic panels, to cover a large part of the project’s energy needs.

The project has also been enriched by the integration of green spaces and 150 planted trees, which not only improve the atmosphere, but also contribute to the promotion of biodiversity and the creation of pleasant public spaces around the rink.
With “Trèfle blanc”, the architects at Chabanne have set an impressive milestone in the world of ice rinks, offering an exceptional experience for sportspeople and visitors alike.

July 2024
New paediatric hospital in Geneva

Integrating the families of young patients is a central concern of the new paediatric hospital. There will be special areas adapted to the needs of families, such as individual rooms with integrated bathrooms for patients and separate day and night areas for parents. There will also be an area for parents or carers with living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. There are also rooms for parents whose children come to the hospital from far away and who are therefore unable to visit every day.

Promoting research and training
The new hospital will also meet the needs of medical staff and training. It will improve working conditions for medical staff and encourage medical students to specialise in paediatrics. The hospital will also provide space for research activities.

Demographic and economic considerations
This construction project is part of the cantonal hospital planning process and is based on demographic forecasts and economic considerations. The aim is to enable Geneva University Hospitals to offer children and their families comprehensive, high-quality care in a modern, functional environment.

Architecture and construction phases
The architecture of the new paediatric hospital combines comfort and functionality to create an environment conducive to healing. The architects’ competition was organised in accordance with SIA 142 regulations as part of a selective procedure for a multidisciplinary team. Architecturestudio, an international practice with offices in Paris, Shanghai and Zug, won the competition.

Sustainable and modern construction
The new building will meet the highest energy and functional standards. In addition to patient-friendly facilities, sustainability will also be a key consideration. Construction will take place in several phases. The inpatient part of the building is due to come into service at the end of 2030, while the outpatient building is scheduled for completion in mid-2035.

July 2024
Green Village Geneva: a model of sustainable urban development

The Green Village is an impressive project that embodies the vision of sustainable urban development. Located in the centre of Europe, in the international city of Geneva, the Green Village combines different types of buildings such as flats, offices, a hotel and a conference centre. This multi-purpose use encourages strong interaction between residents, workers and visitors. Technological innovations and integrated spaces offer a high quality of life and encourage soft mobility thanks to easy access to public transport.

Historical integration and modern use
The Green Village surrounds the existing World Ecumenical Centre of the World Council of Churches, built in the 1960s by the Honegger brothers, renowned Geneva architects, and classified as a historical monument by the canton. The WCC, which has been promoting peace and justice throughout the world for over 70 years, encourages dialogue and exchange between different cultures. This heritage is reflected in the architectural concept of the Green Village, which actively supports diversity and meaningful exchange.

Symbolic buildings and innovative concepts
The Green Village buildings are named after cities that have hosted major climate conferences, such as Montreal, Kyoto and Stockholm. This choice of name reinforces the sense of community and underlines the ecological orientation of the project. In total, the Green Village consists of seven buildings that are articulated around the central ecumenical centre and create a well thought-out network of working and living spaces.

Sustainability and environmental protection
A central element of the Green Village is the implementation of the “One Planet Living” philosophy, which is based on the sustainable management of resources and the promotion of biodiversity. The project incorporates global environmental measures such as energy network management, rainwater recovery and the development of natural gardens. These measures not only contribute to the project’s environmental performance, but also create a healthy and pleasant environment for all users.

Mobility solutions for the future
The Green Village’s location is ideal for environmentally-friendly mobility. It is in the immediate vicinity of Geneva airport, the motorway, the railway station and public transport stops. Two urban boulevards, the “Boulevard de Chancy” and the “Boulevard des Abarois”, will structure the new neighbourhoods and facilitate access to them. They will be complemented by green lanes for soft mobility and park-and-ride facilities to encourage transfers to public transport.

Renovation and preservation of historic buildings
The listed Ecumenical Centre will be renovated and extended as part of the project to create state-of-the-art conference facilities and workspaces. The renovation is scheduled to take place over the period 2023-2027 and will preserve the building’s historical significance while adapting it to future requirements.

July 2024
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.

July 2024
Cross-border territorial vision 2050

The Geneva metropolitan area faces the complex task of managing the available space efficiently while coping with continued population growth. The ecological transition requires an innovative approach that takes into account the geographical specificities and accessibility of the regions in order to best manage the impact of population growth.

In all the regions concerned, measures must be tailored to local circumstances and supported by the entire population in order to fulfil ecological commitments. These measures are adaptable and can be transferred from one region to another as part of an ongoing dialogue.

In this context, the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, in collaboration with the French Geneva Metropolitan Cluster, have taken the initiative to launch an ecological transition process under the name “Cross-border Territorial Vision 2050”. The aim of this comprehensive exploratory approach is to redefine spatial planning and adapt it to environmental challenges.

Spatial planning plays a central role in the development of the region in order to meet the needs of the 400,000 additional people expected by 2050. This is a challenge, especially given the limited space in Geneva and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategies are currently being developed in Geneva to manage this increase while maintaining a high-quality, sustainable living environment. The objectives of these strategies include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change and protecting biodiversity.

The “Vision Territoriale Transfrontalière 2050” project has already resulted in a participatory roadmap, which was adopted by the State Council at the end of 2021. Based on the climate emergency, the cantonal climate plan and the “Greater Geneva in transition” charter of 2022, this roadmap defines the stages and methods of the preparatory work that will feed into the next spatial planning documents.

This project- and practice-oriented approach strongly involves local actors, in particular municipalities and associations, and promotes deep local anchoring, which facilitates subsequent implementation. The spatial scenarios developed by transdisciplinary teams enable the gradual development of a shared vision. The relevance of this vision is evaluated locally in discussion groups and, if it is conclusive, can be implemented on a larger scale. This iterative approach leads to a dynamic development of territorial concepts that are continuously refined and adapted to regional needs. In this way, the overall vision becomes a coherent, joint territorial project that strengthens local identities.

The final version of the cross-border Territorial Vision 2050 should be available in summer 2024. An interim assessment already allows initial conclusions to be drawn and the outline of the vision to be sketched out. Concepts such as the “ecological ceiling” and the “social foundation”, inspired by Kate Raworth’s donut theory, play a central role in the spatial planning strategies. This change of perspective places the living world and its ecosystems at the centre of planning. Other aspects, such as the densification and reorganisation of urban spaces, promote short distances and efficient use of resources, which ultimately reduces the need for mobility and contributes to sustainable urban development.

This comprehensive, region-specific approach ensures that Greater Geneva plays a leading role in sustainable spatial planning, not only as part of Switzerland, but also in a wider European context. The cross-border Vision 2050 thus makes a decisive contribution to the ongoing adaptation and improvement of Swiss spatial planning.

June 2024