On 14 November 2025, students from the Master’s degree programme in Architecture undertook a specialist excursion to Zurich. They were accompanied by the lecturers Dr Britta Hentschel and Dr Gyler Mydyti. The excursion formed part of the two elective courses Built Heritage and Urban Design.

Academic content of the courses

The Built Heritage module focuses on global built heritage and its significance for the present and the future. Central to the course are methods of analysis and evaluation, as well as strategies for the preservation, further development and transformation of historic buildings and ensembles.

The Urban Design course conveys fundamental competencies in urban and neighbourhood development. Students learn how to translate spatial, social and economic aspects into integrated planning approaches and to critically reflect on urban transformation processes.

Stops on the excursion

The students visited three key locations in Zurich where issues of existing structures, transformation and circular development approaches are particularly evident:

At the SBB Werkstadt, the students were able to observe how a former industrial site is being gradually repurposed and how existing infrastructures are being converted into new, meaningful uses. The Schlachthof area demonstrated how sensitive questions of preserving and shaping the character of historic buildings can be combined with contemporary urban requirements. The excursion concluded with a visit to the Kochareal, which is currently undergoing an intensive transformation process and exemplifies cooperative development models. Here, Prof Urs Meister (Kaeferstein & Meister Architects) gave the students a guided tour of the construction site and explained key planning decisions.

Further information on the Master’s degree programme in Architecture: www.uni.li/architecture
About the Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit
About the Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit

Image credits

Photos 1, 3–5: Jonas Pfister
Photos 2 and 6: Antonia Trager