Überbauung Grünau, Residential complex in Altstetten, Switzerland
Überbauung Grünau is a residential complex in Altstetten comprising two elongated buildings and a high-rise tower nestled between the Limmat River and Bernerstrasse. The site integrates multiple apartment units, a school, community spaces, and facilities for seniors within a single cohesive development.
Construction began in 1976 as part of Zurich's strategy to address housing shortages and counter urban depopulation. The project represented a major shift in the city's residential planning philosophy and influenced subsequent housing initiatives.
The residential development incorporates 705 apartments designed for different social groups, along with a school, community center, and senior living facilities.
The complex is accessible from multiple entry points along Tüffenwies, Grünauring, Brändlistrasse, and Meierwiesenstrasse, making it straightforward to reach by foot or local transport. Walking through the grounds is possible, with clear pathways between the different sections.
When completed, it was the largest residential project Zurich had undertaken, establishing new standards for urban housing density and mixed-use living. The deliberate integration of apartments for different income levels within the same development was an unusual approach for its era.
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