Key learnings from a housing cooperative in Zurich that redefines what mixed-use, community-led development can look like.
At my recent lecture George Weeks MRTPI MCIHT asked which example of the projects I'd shown was my favourite; such a good and tricky question. My answer was Mehr als Wohnen in Zurich — a housing cooperative that redefines what mixed-use, community-led development can look like. It's name literally means 'more than living'.
Greer and I have done a number of memorable study tours at TUA (and I think 2026 might be time for another one) and while we've seen so many great examples of regeneration and housing innovation, here's why this project stood out:
Located on the former Hunziker Areal industrial site, the project was initiated in 2007 through a collaboration 30+ housing cooperatives, supported by the City of Zurich. It was delivered following an international design competition and completed circa 2015.
The precinct comprises 13 buildings, and serves 1,200+ residents + 150 workers through 370 apartments, retail and community spaces, a school, kindergartens, co-working studios, and generous public realm — all on leasehold land from the city, secured for 100 years.
The funding model is particularly compelling. Delivered by a coalition of cooperatives pooling capital, supported by municipal land lease and planning incentives; rents are 20% below market, with 10% of units allocated to charities and social organisations.
What makes Mehr als Wohnen so memorable isn’t just the scale or the delivery model; it’s the lived experience. From the diversity of housing typologies to the shared amenities and public art, it’s a place designed for connection. When we were there there was even an art installation where you could pick up a phone in one part of the precinct, and if someone answers on the other end… you get a free hot chocolate. A small moment of delight that speaks volumes about the ethos of the place.
For those of us working in precinct delivery, housing innovation, and urban transformation, Mehr als Wohnen offers a powerful reference point:
✅ Cooperative-led delivery at neighbourhood scale
✅ Embedded affordability and tenure diversity
✅ Activation and experience as core infrastructure
✅ Systems thinking in practice — not just policy
See more here: https://lnkd.in/gR_V4FSE
Thanks to Jason Twill, LEED Fellow and Michelle Tabet GAICD for organising this part of the trip as part of the City Makers Guild leg of our study tour.
