Zurich: Referendum against high-rise office building clearly failed
Almost two thirds voted in the referendum in favor of the project that UBS wants to realize near Altstetten station.
In the referendum in Zurich, 64.4% of voters approved the "Areal VZA1" design plan. The turnout amounted to 50.3%. The office tower planned by UBS in Altstetten can therefore be built. It is to replace an existing building near the Altstetten train station from the 1970s. These plans were opposed by Grüne Jugend Zürich, which initiated the referendum. One of the arguments put forward was the unfavorable emissions balance in operation and, above all, in the construction of new high-rise buildings, as well as office vacancies and the simultaneous housing shortage in Zurich (IB reported).
A high-rise building up to 115 meters high is possible on the Vulkanplatz site. UBS is planning to construct the building using a timber-concrete hybrid construction method. The building is to be certified with the LEED sustainability seal of approval at the highest "Platinum" level. Public-oriented uses are also planned according to the design plan. The architectural plans were drawn up by Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA) and Itten+Brechbühl AG. (aw)
