From urban planning to urban design: the 1893 Zurich Building Act and its impact on land use, ownership structures and urban form

This paper examines Zurich’s urban development through the legislative transition from the 1863 Building Act to the 1893 Building Act, which introduced the Quartierplan (i.e. neighbourhood plan) as a new planning instrument. This shift marked a significant change in land ownership relations, land use patterns, and the integration of public spaces into urban development. The paper explores the socio-political forces within these processes that enabled Zurich’s city authorities to transition from urban planning to urban design and to develop cohesive neighbourhoods with public spaces. It highlights these transformation mechanisms through the case study of Quartierplan 15/16 in Zurich-Wiedikon, which facilitated the conversion of agricultural lands into a dense working-class neighbourhood. Through detailed analysis of legislative texts, municipal records, and historical maps, the study reveals the interplay between economic interests, public health concerns, and urban design principles in shaping the city’s growth. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical context of Zurich’s urban development and the enduring impact of the 1893 Building Act on the city’s spatial and social fabric.