Urban densification in French-speaking Switzerland: more than a necessity, an opportunity to reinvent our Art de Vivre.

In French-speaking Switzerland, the landscape is precious. Nestled between lakes and mountains, developable land is a rare commodity that must be considered with a vision for the future. Given this reality, densification is often seen as a constraint, an obligatory response to land scarcity. But what if we changed our perspective? Far from merely building more densely, this approach represents an unprecedented opportunity to create richer, more sustainable, and more attractive living spaces. It is not about cramming people in, but about rethinking our habitats to preserve our landscapes and improve our quality of life. Let's explore the concrete paths to intelligent densification.

Modernizing the existing stock: the added value of renovation

Rather than relentlessly encroaching on new natural spaces, the primary and most virtuous solution is to enhance the existing built heritage.

• A building stock with potential: many buildings from the 60s and 80s are now energy-intensive and no longer meet modern comfort standards. Their renovation and modernization are a powerful lever for increasing the value of the housing stock without consuming new land.

• Addressing energy challenges: this transformation involves high-performance insulation, the integration of renewable energies (solar, geothermal), and optimized ventilation. The goal? To meet, or even exceed, demanding standards like Minergie or SIA norms, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of homes and protecting occupants from volatile energy prices.

• Long-term value : investing in renovation creates long-term value. It improves resident comfort, reduces utility costs, and actively contributes to Switzerland's energy transition goals, all while revitalizing sometimes neglected neighborhoods.

Thinking "Living Neighborhoods," not just housing

Successful densification is not measured solely in square meters built, but in the quality of life it offers. The challenge is to create complete ecosystems that are pleasant places to live, work, and relax.

• Functional mix, the keystone: a dense and attractive neighborhood is not composed solely of housing. The innovation lies in integrating, from the design stage, local businesses (grocery stores, cafés, pharmacies), services (nurseries, health centers, libraries), and coworking spaces. This reduces the need for travel and creates a vibrant community life.

• A place for nature: density should not rhyme with paving over. The integration of green spaces is crucial: parks, tree-lined courtyards, green roofs, and urban gardens. These "green lungs" improve biodiversity, manage stormwater, and provide residents with essential spaces for relaxation and socializing.

• Soft mobility and public transport: a well-designed, dense neighborhood is naturally conducive to an efficient public transport network (trains, buses, trams) and safe walking and cycling routes. The priority is to make cars less necessary, resulting in less noise, less pollution, and more safety.

A Modernist and Responsible Vision for Territorial Development

Embracing densification is a strategic and responsible choice for the future of French-speaking Switzerland.

• Effectively Combating Urban Sprawl: Urban sprawl consumes agricultural and natural land, lengthens commute times, and increases the cost of infrastructure (roads, networks). Controlled densification is the most relevant response for preserving our iconic landscapes and our natural heritage.

• A strong commitment to sustainable development: this vision goes far beyond ecology. It encompasses economically viable development (optimizing existing infrastructure) and socially equitable development (creating diverse housing and living spaces that mix generations and socio-professional categories).

Densification in French-speaking Switzerland is neither a punishment nor a compromise. When well-designed, it is instead the fertile ground for innovative and human-centric urbanization. It invites us to rethink the city not by expanding outwards, but by regenerating it from within. By betting on mixed-use and a holistic vision for the territory, we can build a future where our living environment is more community-oriented, greener, and better connected. It is about building the future without spreading the city, to offer future generations a habitat that harmoniously combines modernity, respect for the environment, and quality of life.