Rietlen–Gwyd, Niederglatt (1st Prize, Competition)

The “Rietlen-Gwyd” site (5.5 ha) forms a building gap in close proximity to the center and train station of Niederglatt. Developing the site aims to strengthen the center and improve the connectivity of the existing neighborhoods.

The urban design concept is based on the theme of the courtyard, ranging from a rural to a more urban character. An important focus is the definition of the existing street spaces. The buildings are consistently aligned along a single line, with access to the courtyards directly from the neighborhood streets. Small architectural elevations at the northern corner of Bahnhofstrasse-Sonnenbergstrasse and at Bahnhofplatz spatially emphasize strategically important locations.

Within the neighborhood, the arrangement of buildings is more freeform, allowing the open, natural landscape structure to remain visible. Green spaces with varying characters emerge (narrow passages, openings, landscaped areas). The narrow passage at the Bahnhofstrasse ensemble is preserved, spatially highlighting the historic, distinctive buildings. Internal pedestrian paths always lead to a central open space.