The “Testplanung HB/Central 2050” was an interdisciplinary competition commissioned by the City of Zurich to develop a long-term strategy for the area surrounding its main station. As part of this process, the chair devised a microclimatic strategy that goes beyond conventional heat mitigation to emphasize the role of thermal diversity in urban environments.

The urban climatic concept integrates the changing thermal qualities throughout days and seasons around Zurich HB to inform programmatic uses. Sunny winter locations are suggested for public transport stops while continuously shaded walkways are provided for summer. Indoor and outdoor climates are conceived as interdependent, both serving the future thermal diversity and pleasure of Zurich’s inhabitants.

The differentiated and interdisciplinary approach to urban climate design was positively highlighted in the jury report.