Agglomeration programm, Grand Genève

The cross-border agglomeration of Geneva (600’000 inhabitants in the core area, 1.5 million inhabitants in the entire region) is trying to curb the trend of uncontrolled urbanization and establish a balance between living and working as well as a high spatial quality. Planning began in 2007 within the framework of the Swiss agglomeration programs. The goal of these programs is to strengthen the (international) competitiveness of Swiss cities and agglomerations while promoting sustainable and qualitative urban development. An important starting point was above all the retreat of the public sector and limited public financial resources: therefore, urban development models with sustainable, highly efficient, and implementable solutions are required. Planning started with the first agglomeration program “Franco-Valdo-Genevois,” which was deepened between 2008 and 2011 with the PACA studies (Périmètres d’aménagement coordonnés d’agglomération). The first agglomeration program was updated in 2012 and 2016 as the 2nd and 3rd agglomeration programs under the name “Grand Genève.”

Versatility and Contrasts as Quality

The Geneva agglomeration spans two countries, five regions (the Swiss cantons of Geneva and Vaud, and the French departments of Haute-Savoie, Ain, and Jura) and includes 212 (!) independent municipalities. Its historically strategic location at the intersection of three landscapes (Jura, Alps, Rhône valley) makes the region very versatile. It is also a region of contrasts, with extremely dynamic economic and demographic development around Lake Geneva, and simultaneously structurally weak areas characterized by strong shrinkage (Jura arc, Bellegarde).

Integrated Urban and Transport Systems

The first agglomeration program marked the beginning of cross-border regional spatial planning cooperation. It was important to equally consider all subregions. The core idea of the concept is on the one hand the concentration of development in the core agglomeration along six historic entry axes, supported by new efficient public transport corridors (tram, Regiotram) as the backbone, and optimal connections to the six new CEVA stations (a new cross-border commuter rail line between Geneva and Annemasse). A key aim was to minimize dependence on car traffic and thus focus on energy-efficient, compact, integrated urban and transport systems while preserving the generous landscape within the dense metropolitan area. On the other hand, the concept supports qualitative development and efficient networking of the peripheral subregions. Here, the existing and partially abandoned rail network, supplemented by selected historic main connections with fast regional bus services, plays a new structuring role. The concentrated frequencies of public transport are seen as an opportunity and used for local upgrading. With targeted qualitative densification near small stations or in village centers, good visibility and frequencies are leveraged to secure local supply and social infrastructure. A new regional and municipal spatial planning framework allows for qualitative densification of the existing settlement area.

Positive Local Impacts of Regional Solutions

A special feature of the agglomeration concept was the positive local effects of regional solutions. The PACA studies deepened the six historic entry axes in the core agglomeration as development corridors. For the peripheral areas, three “Lignes directrices” created coherent development concepts embedded in the overall regional system. The PACA and “Lignes directrices” processes were also an important dialogue process involving municipal and regional stakeholders, technical committees, and politicians.

Acceptance and Feasibility

The first agglomeration program “Franco-Valdo-Genevois” is regarded as the most successful initial agglomeration program in Switzerland. The combination of an integrated vision for the future with implementable measures was recognized with the largest and highest proportional federal funding contribution. In 2010, the program also received the 8th European Urban Planning Award. Recognition was given not only for the exemplary, forward-looking, integrated planning of urban development, mobility, and landscape but also for demonstrating how well-conceived regional strategies can serve regional goals while also contributing to local upgrading and building on existing small-scale structures (social, spatial) and identities. This fosters constructive participation and broad acceptance, which is particularly remarkable given the complexity and difficulty of agglomeration development. Ultimately, the success of the planning is reflected in the rapid implementation of measures.