Schärenmoos, Zürich , 2022

From Shared Space to Hyper Cluster

The future of the city is characterised by small-scale mixed-use development, high density and climate resilience. The raw material from which it is constantly being created will, in most cases, already exist within the existing buildings.

For the conversion of the former office building on Schärenmoosstrasse in Zurich Leutschenbach for the PWG Foundation, we propose a housing typology that combines living and working in a spatially and temporally flexible manner: Private residential units with a compact layout are extended by Shared Spaces located in front. What happens in these shared spaces is determined by the 6-12 direct neighbours themselves!

Therefore, only a portion of the available total area is occupied by primary living space, and the remaining area provides the scope for increasing the density of use – including workspaces. The use can and should be renegotiated over time to meet the spatial needs of current and future residents.

By consistently rethinking the existing structural system and façade, the majority of stored grey energy is preserved. Valuable elements are retained, and new ones are added only where necessary and meaningful: On the outside, the transformation is visible due to a light envelope of productive surfaces in front of the existing façade. These areas become sustainable power sources, increasing biodiversity and cooling the urban space. They also become places for social exchange among residents and with the quarter.