Towards Transformation

Strategies for an Alternative Approach to Existing Structures

Case studies on single-family home neighborhoods, residential and office complexes, as well as large structures like parking garages.

For architects, urban planners, students, and city dwellers.

The city of Zurich is growing – like many metropolitan areas. With an increasing population and workforce, and the aim of inward densification, the question arises of how to manage land use sustainably. Over the past 20 years, this has primarily been achieved in Zurich through a strategy of replacement construction. But what alternatives exist to continue building in the city while more effectively incorporating existing structures?

As part of the 33.3% design studio at the De Vylder chair, 22 projects were developed over a period of three years, which create an alternative to previous transformations based on concrete case studies from the city of Zurich. The practices of urban development by various stakeholders are examined, ranging from institutional investors to public authorities, cooperatives, and private owners.

Based on the specific goals of the owners and developers, students developed strategies for dealing with existing structures. The publication provides insight into a working method that does not aim for a one-size-fits-all solution in design but seeks gradual, fragmentary approaches between new and old.

The 33.3% in the title represents more than just a numerical game – it refers to a design approach that revolves around the economy of means and considers existing structures as a resource for the new, promoting continued development with what is already there, rather than complete demolition and replacement construction.

Strategies for dealing with single-family home areas are presented alongside those for settlement structures in the suburbs and large buildings. Five chapters illustrate the possibilities available.