LAND Suisse wins competition for the development of the Gewerbestrasse area in Döttingen (CH)

Where once production halls stood, a new part of the city is emerging. The transformation of the Gewerbestrasse area in Döttingen redefines a former industrial enclave between the Koblenzer Strasse and the railway line as an open, livable neighbourhood. The project, developed by LAND with FSP Architekten AG and ASTOC Architects and Planners GmbH for Birchmeier Hess Immobilien AG, creates a link between the town centre, the Aare River, and the surrounding hills.

The new masterplan introduces a clear urban structure organised around the “Allmende”, a central public space that forms the social heart of the neighbourhood. Surrounding it, a mix of renovated industrial buildings and new residential structures establishes a balanced environment where work, living, and leisure coexist. Along Gewerbestrasse, commercial uses activate the street, while quieter residential courtyards extend eastward toward the green embankment that acts as both a sound barrier and natural transition to the landscape.

A key feature of the plan is its landscape continuity, a sequence of connected open spaces that range from the urban Gewerbestrasse and its new forecourt by the preserved industrial chimney, to a linear promenade, community courtyards, and the “Naturband”, a green ecological corridor supporting biodiversity. The design envisions an accessible, pedestrian-oriented district where mobility is redefined: underground parking, shared mobility options, and generous cycle routes prioritise sustainable transport and social interaction.

Nature plays an active role in the redevelopment. Inspired by sponge city principles, rainwater is collected, filtered, and reused through green roofs, retention gardens, and permeable surfaces. Around 265 new trees, predominantly native species, enhance air quality, reduce heat, and create microclimates for residents and urban wildlife alike. This ecological framework turns the former industrial site into a model for resilient urban regeneration.

Architecturally, the project preserves traces of Döttingen’s industrial identity while adapting them for new uses. Simple, efficient building volumes combine concrete, wood, and ceramic elements, referencing the site’s material heritage. The result is a cohesive yet diverse urban fabric that bridges past and future.

The transformation of Gewerbestrasse in Döttingen is a significant initiative that illustrates how industrial legacies can develop into sustainable, diverse, and future-oriented communities. It seeks to reconnect the urban area with its landscape and residents, enhancing accessibility and integration.