Zurich Atlas and Zurich Primer

Zurich Atlas
An Archaeology of Urban Codes and Forms

The Zurich Atlas is aimed at a broad audience interested in the dynamics of urban development and reveals the network of relationships between Zurich’s urban form and its urban codes. Based on collaborative research projects conducted at the Accademia di architettura in Mendrisio and ETH Zurich, it demonstrates – through various historical case studies from 1900 to the present – how the regulatory, legal, and normative frameworks influence the city physical and social conditions and vice versa. It also shows that these urban codes not only confirm the status quo and settle current conflicts, but also articulate visions for the city.

Zurich Primer
A Propositional Planning Vision for the City


The Zurich Primer is structured around the five thematic areas of – “Housing”, “Mobility and Public Space”, “Existing Fabric and Continued Construction”, “Public Buildings and Spaces”, and “Work”. It addresses urban growth and transformation in relation to urban codes and proposes densification scenarios for the city of Zurich in the context of the projected population increase. In addition, through five visual essays, it offers a photographic survey of Zurich and highlights in short guest contributions how other cities in Switzerland (Basel, Geneva) and Europe (Brussels, London, Berlin) handle similar issues.