2474 Renovation of Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse, ETH Hönggerberg Campus, Zurich

June 22, 2026

Location:
Zurich, Switzerland

Project Phases:
Design study 2021, Realisation 2026

Client:
ETH Zurich

Landscape Architecture:
Studio Vulkan

Team:
Drees & Sommer Schweiz AG, RKL AG, R+B Engineering AG, MRS Partner AG, Ingenieurbüro Hans H. Moser AG, Monitron AG

Visualization:
Atelier Brunecky

Photography:
Studio Vulkan

Details:

The Boulevard as an Urban Sponge Structure

With the construction of the Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse and the commitment to transform it into a central boulevard, the Hönggerberg campus marks its shift from a landscape-based academic site to an urban knowledge district.

The spatial configuration of the campus – featuring clear, linear building alignments to the east and a more contextually embedded structure to the west – naturally suggests a division into a “fast east side” and a “slow west side.” The east side, with its connection to the main cycling axis, is particularly suited to function as the primary mobility corridor. This conceptual division is reinforced by targeted programmatic placement and differentiated surface treatments.

Sunken planting beds for stormwater retention, high-quality seating areas (the so-called “coffee stations”), and the central forum are all located on the west side – forming spaces for rest, exchange, and social interaction.
As one enters the core area of the boulevard, a loose yet cohesive canopy of trees creates the impression of a shared civic space. This evokes a shared-space mentality, encouraging all users to slow down and adapt to pedestrian pace.

This deceleration is further supported by the extensive use of visually cohesive, permeable materials – such as various types of bound gravel surfacing – which also allow for barrier-free crossings. On the faster east side, footpaths and bike lanes are clearly delineated by differently tinted asphalt mixes.