Strassenbahn Netzwerk is a truly unique project located at the edge of the masterplan of Zurich-Oerlikon, Switzerland, in a former historical industrial area in complete mutation and is part of the development of a “piece urbaine". The project is located on the central plaza aims to connect the all three buildings that from the piece urbaine; Neu Oerlikon, the office building that was completed in 2016, Emil North, the affordable housing block that was completed in 2023, both by G8A Architects, and the ETH school building that is a renovated heritage building.
Today the district participates in an active revitalization and conversation program. This public initiative will transform Oerlikon-Zurich to integrate green multi-use area. The geneses of the design is taken from the poetic reference of the tramway cables that powered the vital transportation lines of this once flourishing and highly industrial area, which had a well-connected train route from Zurich to Germany. The development of the district of Oerlikon began with the construction of the railway connecting Germany and Zürich in 1855. This new infrastructure helped Oerlikon district to grow quickly and it became an important national hub for industrial production and trade.
The sporadic nature of the cables allows the span between the three buildings creating a well shaded area on the plaza for activities and social meetings between users, a public multifunctional public space that acts as a sustainable shelter. Furthermore, the plaza is slightly lifted from the side walk to elevate its semi- private status as an outdoor community space.
The cable network is supported by metallic anodized poles that support conic planters that allows foliage to extend along the cables crafting a “green canopy” to delight users and provide refreshing shade. The foliage will reflect seasonal changes, thus creating a lively and colourful narrative. All these elements combine to craft a dynamic independent structure between building, pole and cables for an active community hub. The communal area acts as a sustainable inclusive interface, juxtaposing specific programs, spaces and users to create an active space.
