ETH Forum Wohnungsbau 2024
Friday, 24. May 2024, 9 am - 4 pm | ETH Zurich, Zentrum (main building), Auditorium Maximum HG F 30 (in German)
MORE HOUSING IN CITIES – How to achieve urban densification?
We all desire a good home. However, finding an apartment is becoming increasingly challenging, especially in urban centres with numerous employment and leisure opportunities. The living space is increasingly scarce, and the number of affordable housing units is steadily decreasing. The consequences include gentrification, increasing urban sprawl, overcrowded trains, traffic congested streets, and excessive greenhouse gas emissions. Switzerland’s population is projected reach 10.5 million people by 2050, which calls for the need to finding sustainable ways for urban densification.
The 18th ETH Forum Wohnungsbau conference provided a platform for discussing pressing questions of our time: What challenges currently need to be addressed in spatial planning, and where are the deficits? Why is creating living space in urban communities of large and medium-sized agglomerations so difficult? Is the implementation of legal requirements unrealistic? How can the demanded urban densification be successfully implemented, addressing concerns about displacement, excessive density, and urban sprawl?
The ETH Forum Wohnungsbau 2024 focused on our future living spaces. Under the title ‘MORE HOUSING IN CITIES,’ experts discussed the opportunities and challenges related to housing and spatial planning in rapidly growing communities. Representatives from local governments, real estate experts, academics, and architects addressed the question ‘How to achieve urban densification?’ by sharing their expertise and presenting solutions.
Programme
10-Minute-Neighbourhood as the key to sustainable spatial development
Spatial planning should promote inward settlement development. Instead, urban sprawl, social segregation and car traffic are the result. The concept of 10-minute neighbourhoods, on the other hand, enables socially, ecologically and economically sustainable spatial developments.
Dr. Sibylle Wälty, ETH Wohnforum, Lecturer for spatial development, ETH Zurich & CEO Resilientsy
The Swiss City, more dense and lively
Using the example of the approach «Une vision territoriale transfrontalière à l'horizon 2050 pour le Grand Genève», Ariane Widmer Pham illustrates how population growth can be controlled through inner-city development and how Geneva's housing policy regulates these processes.
Ariane Widmer Pham, Cantonal planner, Office for Urban Planning, Canton of Geneva
Podium Discussion I
How do we create more living space? The plenary discussion delves into the key note presentations with a focus on how urban densification can be successfully implemented from the perspective of authorities and the real estate industry.
- Ariane Widmer Pham, Cantonal Planer, Office for Urban Planning, Canton of Geneva
- Niels Lehmann, CEO DXMA, Real estate development, Zurich
- Prof Dr. David Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Spatial Development and Urban Policy (SPUR), Head of NSL - Network City and Landscape, ETH Zurich
- Thomas Padmanabhan, Dipl.-Ing. Arch. M. Arch.
Owner Lütjens Padmanabhan Architekt*innen, Guest professorship ETH Zurich
video recording
The economic impact of different spatial planning and tax systems
The spatial planning and tax systems in Switzerland and England and the associated economic effects could not be more different. England is struggling with an unprecedented housing shortage, Switzerland – so far – mainly with urban sprawl.
Prof. Dr. Christian Hilber, Professor of Economic Geography, Urban and Property Economist, LSE – London School of Economics and Political Science
Where, how and with whom would you like to live?
The housing shortage in cities is both an old and current issue. Accordingly, there have been numerous solutions over time. In her input, Sarah Barth talks about the topic of densification in urban areas using current buildings and historical concepts.
Sarah Barth, Architect, Owner Atelier für Architektologie, Founding member Countdown 2030
Podium Discussion II
Taking into account the presented scientific and architectural perspectives, we move into the second discussion round. What are the crucial factors that play a role in the successful implementation of urban densification?
- Prof. Dr. Christian Hilber | Professor of Economic Geography, Urban and Property Economist, LSE – London School of Economics and Political Science
- Sarah Barth | Architect, Owner Atelier für Architektologie, Founding member Countdown 2030
- Gabriela Barman | City Architect / Head of Urban Development and Planning Department, City of Zug
- Doris Sutter | President GWG Gemeinnützige Wohnbaugenossenschaft Winterthur
video recording
Exhibition
«10-Minuten-Nachbarschaften»
We can all get involved in spatial planning and demand changes in favour of sustainable spatial development. The poster exhibition «10-Minuten-Nachbarschaften» presents the concept of such neighbourhoods. It is part of the travelling exhibition of the same name, which can be seen at several locations in Switzerland this year.
ETH Zurich, Exhibition
30. April – 16. May 2024, Hönggerberg, HIL D Foyer
17. May – 30. May 2024, ETH Zentrum, HG E 4
ETH Zurich, Public Tour
«10-Minuten-Nachbarschaften. Eine Tour rund um den Idaplatz»
Tue, 24. September 2024, 18.15 pm – 19.15 pm
Registration
More information about the exhibition and the accompanying events at: external page www.10-minuten-nachbarschaften.ch
Project: Proximity is the future: Jeder Beitrag zählt!, SNF Agora.
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ETH Wohnforum – ETH CASE