Zurich Dialogues on Densification: An Exhibition on Zurich's Urban Growth

The Zentrum Architektur Zürich (ZAZ) Bellerive is currently hosting the exhibition "Zurich Dialogues on Densification", curated by Jonathan Sergison, Director of the Institute of Urban and Landscape Studies (ISUP) at USI Academy of Architecture, and Tom Avermaete, Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design at ETH Zurich. The exhibition is part of the Agorà project "Dialogues on Densification: Stories from Zurich", supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to foster dialogue between research and society.

Zurich is bracing for a 25% surge in its population over the coming decades, with roughly 100,000 new inhabitants expected. Accommodating such growth within the current city boundaries calls for a densification strategy that raises a critical question: how can the city expand housing and infrastructure while preserving its high standards of urban quality and liveability?

The Agorà project "Dialogues on Densification: Stories from Zurich" — developed jointly by researchers from USI and ETH Zurich in collaboration with the Zentrum Architektur Zürich — was established specifically to make this topic more accessible to the public. Urban densification is often discussed in technical and quantitative terms, making it difficult for non-specialists to interpret. The project therefore provides a space for dialogue among the various stakeholders involved — public administrations, investors, professionals, and citizens — to collectively reflect on the social, economic, and environmental implications of urban transformation.

The exhibition serves as the centrepiece of this initiative. Utilising film, large-scale physical models, archival materials, drawings, and photography, the display charts Zurich's historical development and examines the urban codes that have shaped its growth. At the same time, it sets out potential design strategies for a qualitative and sustainable approach to densification, demonstrating how a more compact city can remain responsive to the public's needs—from housing and schools to healthcare, mobility, and public space.

The exhibition is accompanied by the publication of two volumes and a programme of activities, including public debates, workshops, and urban walks, designed to engage both citizens and professionals in a collective reflection on the city's future.

Practical Information
Venue: ZAZ Bellerive, Zurich
Dates: 26 February – 28 June 2026
Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday 2–6 pm / Thursday 2–8 pm / Closed Monday and Tuesday