Tag: mobilité douce

  • Grands Esserts project in Veyrier

    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.

  • Green Village Geneva: a model of sustainable urban development

    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.

  • 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.