Reto Nebel

Urban Transformation in Airport Regions

Abstract Airport development in densely populated regions presents a major challenge to all parties involved. The main issue in airport regions is a trust-building and proactive handling of noise pollution. Spatial planning especially is being called upon to deliver integrative solutions for future spatial and airport development through innovative planning processes. The establishment of a demarcation line that indicates the boundaries of the area of existing and future possible aircraft noise pollution can create a reliable space for future settlement development. Based on the potential noise reduction, the boundary line could shrink and generate so-called delta spaces, which deserve special attention from spatial planning. However, the settlement area in the airport region with a potential for redevelopment must also be known. Using the development of Zurich Airport as an example, one such process is presented and conclusions concerning future processes are drawn from it. The case study makes it clear that spatial planning is being called upon to proactively engage with the development of high-density traffic airports. In particular, technological advances in aircraft manufacture to reduce noise emissions, as well as innovative landing and take-off procedures, open new perspectives to mitigate the central conflicts in airport and spatial development. The importance of assessing the potential for settlement redevelopment in airport regions is a significant conclusion.

Nutzungsreserven und -potenziale für die Siedlungsentwicklung nach innen

Switzerland has a limited supply of suitable settlement land and in future must put a stronger focus on existing settlement areas for its spatial development. The corresponding strategy “redevelopment before new development” must find its realization through an increase in the level of use and a simultaneous improvement of the spatial quality in extensively built-up settlement areas. This can take place within the space planned by the building and planning laws in force (mobilization of land-use reserves), or, areas can be identified that are appropriate for a local increase of landuse measures valid at this time (mobilization of land-use potential). A precondition for consistent settlement redevelopment is a problemoriented overview of the available reserves and land-use potential. Methods to achieve systematic recognition, mobilization, and implementation for these two categories have been little researched. While land-use reserves could be quantitatively and qualitatively identified and recorded through an approach developed at ETH Zurich, the identification of land-use potential has not advanced as far. Test planning procedures will be used to check what potential is available and whether it can make a useful contribution to redevelopment. The design of appropriate processes and procedures in professional daily life and in the education of planners should be placed at the forefront. English title: Land-Use Reserves and the Potential for Settlement Development through Redevelopment: An Overview of Current Research Projects in Switzerland