in collaboration with:
Chair of Construction Heritage and Preservation, Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg, Reto Wasser
Chair of History and Theory of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Maarten Delbeke, Linda Stagni
FROM MONOCULTURE TO A BUILDING ROTATION SYSTEM
An alternative concept for urban development
Art. 91: «Brachengesetz»
I. If a building is demolished or deconstructed in the city of Zürich, the land must lie fallow afterwards and serve as a «Brache» for a defined period of time.
II. during the «fallow period», the land and everything remaining on it is free from property claims, top-down planning and regulations. It is at the free disposal of all inhabitants of the city.
III. The duration of the «fallow period» is defined by the lifespan of the demolished or deconstructed building:
> 150 years lie fallow for 1 year
< 150 years lie fallow for 2 years
< 100 years lie fallow for 3 years
< 80 years lie fallow for 5 years
< 60 years lie fallow for 10 years
< 40 years lie fallow for 20 years
< 20 years lie fallow for 40 years
IV. The «fallow period» can be reduced if:
a. the building material of the demolished or deconstructed building is released for re-use.
b. the existing remaining structure is integrated into the design of the new replacement building.
V. The allowed reduction of the «fallow period» is calculated as a percentage of the building volume.
The aim of the «Brachengesetz» is to:
I. preserve the qualities of «Brachen» as a new type of public open space.
II. encourage the appropriation and participation of inhabitants in urban design by refraining from planning and regulating fallow land.
III. promote a circular urban development of creation and recreation, using the «Brache» as a tool.
IV. allow the city to change in a more dynamic way and react to future needs.
V. restrict the demolition of buildings before they reach the end of their lifespan.
VI. limit new replacement constructions.
VII. promote the re-use of building materials.
VIII. include deconstruction as an integral part of the design process.
