Pioneering Work in Cross-Border Spatial Planning
Traffic jams on the A98, overloaded Rhine bridges, sprawling landscapes – the Hochrhein region is growing, but not exactly in a sustainable way. Now, there’s a plan that’s turning these problems into real potentials. The first German-Swiss spatial concept is here, and it’s a game-changer. After two years of intense collaboration, 39 municipalities across two countries—from Grenzach-Wyhlen to Laufenburg (Baden) and from Birsfelden to Laufenburg (CH)—have come together to create a shared vision for 2040.
Main Benefits of the Hochrhein 2040 Spatial Concept
The vision is bold and clear. It’s all about creating 15-minute spaces, climate-resilient urban landscapes, new Rhine bridges, and a sustainable mobility network that connects 200,000 residents with 100,000 jobs. Here’s what makes this project stand out:
- First-ever coordinated planning across national borders in the region
- Five 15-minute spaces designed for short, easy daily commutes
- A bicycle network acting as a “second mobility backbone” along the Rhine
- A green backbone made up of interconnected landscapes
- Sustainable transformation of industrial areas
- Optimized public transport connections linking both sides of the Rhine
Master Plan Grenchen South Station: More Than Just a Transport Hub
Grenchen South Station is evolving from a simple transport hub into a vibrant district. This project shows how modern spatial planning can blend mobility with quality of life. The workshop process for the master plan wrapped up successfully, and the vision goes way beyond just moving people from A to B.
The plan focuses on creating a mobility hub that integrates people, space, and movement seamlessly. An uncovered stream will become the green backbone of the new district, doubling as a high-quality recreational area. Pedestrian, bicycle, and public transport connections are thoughtfully designed not just to enable mobility but to encourage real social encounters.
New Year, New Office – Urbanista’s Fresh Start
Since December, the team has been working out of a new office at Binzallee 4, right next to Binz Station. The ground-level location means more presence in the public space—something long desired. A standout feature is the self-built partition, an upcycling project done with the collective Bau-Teilen. Wooden panels from a former kitchen studio, doors from an apartment in Wiedikon, and glass elements that once graced the Winterthur Art Museum’s exhibition windows all come together in this creative space.
The new office isn’t just about work; it’s also got a flexible living and meeting room perfect for bigger events. Plans are already underway to bring the outdoor space to life with bike parking, greenery, and cozy lunch seating. Visitors are always welcome for a coffee and a chat!
Back to the Roots: Master Plan Lucerne Station
Lucerne Station holds a special place in the story of urbanista.ch—it’s where it all began. About four years ago, a test planning project at Lucerne Station marked the start of their journey. Now, the team is returning to develop a full master plan for the urban space around the station. Working alongside Michael Güller and a strong team from mrs, Raumprozesse, and Lorenz Eugster Landscape Architects, the goal is to give the gateway to Lucerne a fresh new face.
The plan includes new city squares, better organization of the multimodal hub, and improved quality of stay. It’s a big challenge, but with this team, Lucerne Station is being prepared for the future.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to These Initiatives
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through integrated urban planning and mobility solutions
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – via sustainable transformation of industrial areas and infrastructure improvements
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by promoting climate-resilient urban landscapes and reducing emissions through efficient mobility networks
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – encouraging active transport and green spaces for healthier lifestyles
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – exemplified by cross-border collaboration and participatory planning processes
New Faces and Exciting Changes at Urbanista
Urbanista is gearing up for the future with some fresh energy and leadership. Marion Zängerle, a long-time colleague with deep expertise in urban planning, has stepped into a bigger management role—bringing experience and commitment to the forefront. Meanwhile, Pierre Scheidemann joins as the new urban planner, bringing fresh ideas and a creative approach that promises to enrich upcoming projects. These changes signal an exciting new chapter full of enthusiasm and innovation.
