Ateliers Bernex

The municipality of Bernex is part of the first urban belt surrounding the city of Geneva and is considered one of the canton’s most important areas for future development. With numerous densification zones, urban extensions, and major transport infrastructure upgrades (such as the new TCOB tram line, restructuring of the motorway connection, and redesign of the Route de Chancy), the identity and structure of the municipality are set to undergo significant transformation.

As part of a participatory planning process, an urban development concept was developed through a series of scenarios. Within the framework of the “Ateliers Bernex”, four expert teams worked alongside local authorities, landowners, and residents to explore possibilities and identify preferred directions for growth.

Key topics included the expansion of school facilities, creation of new urban parks, neighborhood centers and identity, urban edge design, and access infrastructure. Based on the scenario work, several strategic hotspots were identified—among them Bernex-Est / Tréchaumont, envisioned as a new hub and gateway to the municipality.

In parallel, qualitative principles were formulated regarding housing and building typologies, open space strategies, access and mobility networks, and the relationship between streets, buildings, and land use.