Zurich’s central university district moves closer

The university district is located in the heart of city, a knowledge and health cluster consisting of the University of Zurich (UZH), the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. The proximity of these institutions offers good opportunities for intensive cooperation. However, the infrastructure of the university district has reached its capacity and needs to be expanded.

At the end of August, the city’s Building Department set out the three cantonal design plans: USZ Core Area East, USZ/ETH Schmelzberg site, and UZH Wässerwies. Subject to three appeals submitted, the planning phase has now been completed.

An urban space concept has also now been developed in collaboration with the research institutions as well as the city and the canton of Zurich. It shows how the spaces between the new buildings can be enhanced. For instance, longitudinal and cross-connections should be used to improve the connection from the university district to the surrounding neighbourhoods, while space for parks and terraces should remain open. There should also be space for public use, such as forums, libraries, kiosks and cafeterias.

The urban space concept is now be further developed in a white paper, which sets out principles that should be taken into account during architectural competitions for the individual construction projects. 

An information stand in the heart of the university district is now open to provide information on the Zurich central university district project. It showcases the different projects and their current status, the cooperation between the institutions as well as the urban space.