Zurich: Temporary housing in Altstetten
The city of Zurich is testing a new concept for housing refugees. At Altstetten station, a temporary housing estate is to be combined with other uses, such as student housing, small businesses and restaurants.
The temporary housing estate Leutschenbach will move to the Geerenweg site near Altstetten Nord station. But the modular buildings, which provide living space for around 150 refugees, are not to be the end of the story. The city of Zurich is planning additional temporary buildings that will be available as inexpensive spaces for small businesses, young companies and cultural professionals. In addition, catering offers are planned, combined with a playground and a place for leisure and meeting. "Instead of simply erecting a container settlement in a neighborhood, the settlement is now intended to create a new and lively part of the neighborhood," according to a statement from the city of Zurich.
The Geerenweg site has so far been used as a parking lot. The new concept is intended to create an urban focal point that will also be open to people living and working in the area and will represent a meeting point in the neighborhood. If possible, refugees will be integrated into the businesses, which will further support integration. A connection to the neighboring site for travellers is also envisaged.
"Einfach wohnen" plans additional residential complex
On the second plot of the site, the "Einfach wohnen" foundation is also planning modular buildings for young people in training and refugees. A total of 120 rooms will be created, of which 70 will be for students or young people in training and 50 for refugees. The housing units will include two to four bedrooms and common areas. The planned residential complex is to be built inexpensively and to an exemplary standard in terms of energy and ecology; for example, a photovoltaic system is planned on the roof. The monthly rent for a room is to be CHF 500 to 600.
The City of Zurich intends to flesh out concept ideas in the coming months with the involvement of third parties. The temporary housing development is to be built gradually and allowed to develop further. By the end of 2018, both the housing estate and the residential complex of the "Einfach wohnen" foundation should be ready for occupancy.
