Urban Development Concept Emmen (1st Prize)

Emmen is part of the core agglomeration of Lucerne. Its attractive location and good accessibility have led to strong development dynamics. The overall urban development concept structures the qualitative further development of the municipality.

An important principle of the concept is the preservation of the generous open landscape. There are no settlement expansions; at the same time, densification is used very deliberately as a tool for upgrading the locality. A central element is the Y-shaped Gerliswil and Seetalstrasse, serving as the urban backbone and lifeline of the municipality. Through targeted, concentrated densification, this main road network becomes a fully-fledged urban space. Thanks to the precise coordination between transport and urban planning, the positive aspects of traffic are leveraged. This secures local supply within the neighborhoods, and the high quality of the location promotes the settlement of high-quality workplaces. The industrial character here forms the core of the identity. At the same time, well-functioning places are not affected by densification. As a counterpart to the dynamic Y, there is a calm, green system. Starting from the large inner recreational area Mooshüsli, all sports, green, and school facilities are interconnected and linked with the surrounding natural landscape. Landscape windows ensure wide views into the adjacent natural and cultural landscapes. The differentiated, neighborhood-based development strengthens the diversity and thus the robustness of the municipality. Micro-locations are used to create varied residential and workplace offerings. There are dense urban neighborhoods, green villa quarters, as well as areas for industry and manufacturing trades. The project was developed within the framework of a broad participatory process. Clear, precise statements, understandable plans, and inspiring representations were important.

Thanks to the clear, differentiated statements and the integrated, multi-scale approach, the concept is a versatile planning tool. It forms the central basis for the municipal zoning revision and for further developments and projects (site developments, traffic projects, redesign of public spaces).