The Gaswerk Area
Initial Situation 2005
The city of Zurich’s gasworks (gasification of coal) was opened in 1897 and shut down in 1974. The factory and its buildings are a typical example of industrial plants in the late 19th century. Once the largest gasworks in Switzerland, the factory was shut down in 1972 after the introduction of natural gas, and then partially converted and used for other purposes. Today there are various small businesses, leisure facilities, media companies, a museum and artists’ studios in the historical buildings. In the part facing the Limmat River and in the western part new commercial buildings for haulage and logistics businesses were built, requiring large surface areas.
Goals 2005
The current uses which have established themselves are unique to Schlieren and contribute to a new and innovative image. Further restructuring and an increase in density is expected. It is assumed that the historical buildings will attract innovative businesses and artists who appreciate the special atmosphere, while the outer zones, because of their remote location and the large reserves of space, are more suitable for logistics businesses. With the continued displacement of alternative culture from Zurich West, the use of the historical buildings will expand towards the west. The structures on the gasworks property are perfectly suited for this. The area with its historical buildings is to be maintained as a contemporary witness and historical monument. On the parts of the area which are not being sufficiently used and on the edges, more new construction is possible, but this should not interfere with the historical ensemble. The charm of the old buildings and the current users can be the driving force to bring in additional innovative companies. It should be a goal to expand this area towards the Limmat River.
Summary of the development 2005–2020
The Gaswerk area has hardly changed in terms of use, development and atmosphere since 2005. Characteristic is still the coexistence of forwarding and logistics companies, leisure facilities such as the climbing center, artists' studios and small businesses. The historic buildings have so far all been preserved as contemporary witnesses.
A comprehensive final evaluation of Schlieren's urban development will be published in the book "Stadtwerdung im Zeitraffer," published by Scheidegger & Spiess, Zurich, in 2023.
www.scheidegger-spiess.ch
