ETH can densify at Hönggerberg

Optimal spatial development is vital if ETH Zurich is to provide the space required for students and researchers in the long term. Additional space is planned at the Hönggerberg location as there is limited scope for expanding the university in the city centre.

Based on the entry in the cantonal structure plan, ETH Zurich carried out test planning with the Canton of Zurich Building Department and the city of Zurich (city urban planning department, Office of Parks and Open Spaces of Zurich, Office of Civil Engineering) in 2015. The planning examined both the possible urban development strategies and the potential for long-term, quality development of the Hönggerberg campus. Comparable spatial plans have also been carried out in recent years for the Zurich City University District and the University of Zurich Irchel campus.

Preserving the surrounding landscape

Importantly, the test planning found that the additional space required by ETH Zurich at Hönggerberg can be provided within the campus’s current perimeters. ETH Zurich is committed to a strategy of internal development and internal densification. It is not looking to connect the campus directly to the Höngg or Affoltern districts and wants to preserve the surrounding landscape. The test planning served as a basis for ETH Zurich’s Campus Hönggerberg 2040 masterplan, which builds on the existing Science City masterplan.

The 2040 masterplan is a joint declaration of intent from ETH and the canton and the city of Zurich. It provides the basis for changes that will now be made to the planning tools, in particular the cantonal structure plan by the Cantonal Parliament and the special building specifications by the Communal Council. The masterplan shows how ETH Zurich can achieve the expected growth with high-quality urban development and thus preserve the surrounding landscape. In 2017, the detailed plans will develop a mobility concept and define open spaces.

Changing demand for space

The new masterplan describes the long-term spatial development target, which will allow ETH Zurich to optimise the Hönggerberg location and fulfil its duty to educate Switzerland's future professionals, carry out cutting-edge international research and ensure the transfer of knowledge into the economy and society. New and renovated buildings are intended to reflect the changed spatial requirement for individual teaching and learning methods and innovative research infrastructures. In addition, open spaces, gardens and ground-floor public areas will provide spaces where people can socialise and thus help bring the campus to life. Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse will continue to serve as the primary central axis.

The City Council has approved the Campus Hönggerberg 2040 masterplan. It views the masterplan as a sound basis for the long-term development of the ETH Hönggerberg location. As with developments to date, ETH will continue to use communal planning tools that are subject to the Communal Council’s approval. Where listed properties are affected, the necessary assessments will be made when concrete projects require this.

This is a joint press release from the city of Zurich and ETH Zurich.