Europaallee

Zurich, Switzerland

Photo © René Dürr

Drawing © KCAP

Picture © KCAP

Masterplan

Architects: KCAP Zürich

Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Year: 2021
Client: Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB, Stadt Zürich
Program: 100.000 m2 masterplan for Zurich's station area with 350.000 m2 of housing, offices, public space, retail and leisure
Role: Masterplanner und Supervisor
Participating parties: EBP, Rotzler Krebs, Max Dudler, Gigon/Guyer, David Chipperfield Architects, Caruso St John Architects, Bosshard Vaquer Architekten, Boltshauser Architekten, Graber Pulver Architekten, Masswerk AG, Stücheli Architekten, e2a Architekten, Wiel Arets

‘Europaallee’, the area around Zurich’s main railway station, is a key development site owing to its central position and excellent accessibility. In the masterplan, the morphology and block structure of the surrounding city is elaborated in order to insert the new development into its surroundings in a natural way. Construction envelopes have been established for the new blocks, with basic rules for maximum dimensions, penetration of daylight and sightlines. This establishes a sustainable structure that can be filled in gradually, responding to current programmatic demands, architectural tastes and market developments.
Station precincts all over the world are being developed into layered urban hubs where flows of traffic converge and functions such as living, working, shopping and recreation are bundled together. The areas surrounding railway stations must also often be adapted to accommodate the dynamics of various traffic flows and all manner of amenities.

Accordingly, the immediate area around Zurich main railway station will be brought into line with modern-day requirements. It will acquire a new structure that blends seamlessly with the surrounding area. A diagonal connection drawn from the old station plaza, provides the main axis of the new station area and leads to adjacent city quarters. Perpendicular to this axis, existing streets are extended in the north-south direction as far as the railway line. Since a strip of land on the far side of the railway tracks is also being redeveloped, station and railway lines will be fully integrated into the new urban fabric. Sight lines and a new bridge across the railway unite the adjacent areas.