Zurich Atlas: An Archaeology of Urban Codes and Forms

The Zürich Atlas is aimed at a broad audience interested in the dynamics of urban development and reveals the network of relationships between Zurich’s urban form and its urban codes. The Zurich Atlas is aimed at a broad audience interested in the dynamics of urban development and reveals the network of relationships between Zurich’s urban form and its urban codes. Based on collaborative research projects conducted at the Accademia di architettura in Mendrisio and ETH Zurich, it demonstrates – through various historical case studies from 1900 to the present – how the regulatory, legal, and normative frameworks influence the city physical and social conditions and vice versa. It also shows that these urban codes not only confirm the status quo and settle current conflicts, but also articulate visions for the city.