KCAP Zürich

The Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ) in the north-west corner of the Dübendorf airfield, is to become part of a new ecosystem. It will combine complementary research, testing, and application facilities at different knowledge clusters in the Zurich region such as EAWAG, EMPA, ETH or University of Zurich.

KCAP is responsible for the overall planning of the approximately 36-hectare development area. With the legal plan effective since 2021 and the recently approved commitment credit by the Cantonal Council, the way is clear for the transformation. The synthesis report approved by the cantonal council ensures integrated development with the stakeholders, the canton and the surrounding municipalities by means of a joint vision, an action plan and an implementation agenda for the entire airfield area. HRS Real Estate is leading the development.

We have been involved in the Zurich Innovation Park development and implementation concept since 2018, focusing on innovative urban development, environmental compatibility, sustainability and careful use of existing resources. The urban development concept, which builds on Hosoya Schaefer's initial design, envisages a structure that is flexible both in terms of the phased construction and in terms of leasing to growing companies. In addition, sufficient open space is available as natural space, recreation and compensation areas as well as for testing new technologies.

As part of the IPZ, we also transform two listed aircraft hangars into flexible startup spaces. Former Swiss Air halls 2 and 3 are remnants of the early days of civil aviation in Switzerland. The building ensemble from 1925 with a listed steel truss construction is one of the first actively used structures of the Innovation Park. In a lively co-working atmosphere, it will provide space for researchers and start-ups. The flexibility and versatile programmation of the buildings provide space for innovative and interdisciplinary research and work groups.

Being the first major visible development of the IPZ, the refurbishment works mark an important milestone for its activation and image building. The conceptually ambitious design, which was continuously coordinated with the cantonal preservation of historical monuments during the process, will contribute to a successful launch of the innovation park.

Former Swiss Air halls 2 and 3 are remnants of the early days of civil aviation in Switzerland. The building ensemble from 1925 with a listed steel truss construction is one of the first actively used structures of the Innovation Park. In a lively co-working atmosphere, it will provide space for researchers and start-ups. The flexibility and versatile programmation of the buildings provide space for innovative and interdisciplinary research and work groups.

As the first major visible development of the Innovation Park Zurich, the refurbishment works mark an important milestone for its activation and image building. The conceptually ambitious design, which was continuously coordinated with the cantonal preservation of historical monuments during the process, will contribute to a successful launch of the innovation park.