Tuesday 29.05.2012

Building boom

Crisis or no crisis, the world still needs cement

Global production of cement has more than doubled over the past 15 years. One of the leading players is the Swiss multinational company Holcim, which celebrates its centenary this year.  [...]

Built environment

Cementing unexpected beauty

Humans have always sought ways to strengthen their buildings. When a British engineer invented hydraulic lime in 1756, cement became an indispensable ingredient of modern construction.  [...]

Concrete choices

Shaping cement in new, lighter ways

Far from remaining stuck in the past, cement is a building material that is constantly evolving, be it to improve energy use or simply to recycle it. Lausanne’s Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) is at the forefront of these changes.  [...]

Comments cannot be shown for the time being

The Zervreilasee near Vals in the Canton of Grisons

Hydropower

Swiss Alps proposed as powerhouse of Europe

Many European countries are turning away from atomic power to focus on renewable energies. Switzerland’s water reservoirs could make up for future gaps in supply.  [...]

Gallery

Mirror of society

We are people who matter

Around the turn of the 19th and 20th century, group photos were a popular way for people to make a record of themselves and their world. They reflected the self-confidence of the rising middle class, and the way they saw themselves.  [...]

Relations between Switzerland and the European Union seem exhausted

Switzerland v EU

System of bilateral accords hits roadblock

The system of bilateral accords governing relations between Switzerland and the European Union seems to have reached the limit of its possibilities, but Bern and Brussels are far from being on same page about how to resolve the impasse.  [...]

A Seismo 12 participant points to a broken bridge that relief workers have to respond to during the exercise

Fake quake

Preparing for a seismic disaster

Swiss disaster response teams have rehearsed for a scenario in which a major earthquake hits northwestern Switzerland, leaving up to 6,000 people dead, 30,000 missing and over 60,000 injured.  [...]

A smart mob in Geneva in favour of a ban against army weapons at home

Not just for the elderly

Politics remain on young adults’ agenda

Despite a marked disinterest in popular votes, Swiss youth do not lack imagination when it comes to getting involved in a political cause. But even when boosted by the internet, activism is often doomed to a fleeting existence.  [...]

Jeff Koons poses for photographers at the opening of his exhibition at the Beyeler Foundation on May 11

Superstar artists

Koons and Hirst lose value despite major shows

Attention from major art institutions usually increases an artist’s value, but simultaneous shows of Jeff Koons in Basel and Damien Hirst in London are having the opposite effect. Alarmists believe a subprime crisis is in the making.  [...]

Tierspital Gallery

Medicine for the menagerie

The doctor will see you now

Bern's veterinary hospital doesn't just treat sick cats and dogs. It also has a section for wild animals, where wolves, lynx and their prey come for treatment.  [...]

Italian newspapers say Rome's famous Cafe de Paris was bought by the Alvaro-Palamra clan of the 'Ndrangheta

Growing threat

Authorities brace for fight against mafia

The ’Ndrangheta, a criminal organisation based in Calabria, are at the top of the Swiss judicial authorities list of major concerns. Several experts believe Switzerland is unprepared for the battle against the Italian mafia.  [...]

Black money VideoNews

Black money

How Italian assets still evade the tax authorities

Italy has increased its controls at the Swiss border to prevent undeclared funds from leaving the country. The efforts are paying off, but large sums are still believed to pass customs undiscovered.  [...]

Syrian clashes

Switzerland condemns Houla deaths

Switzerland has joined international condemnation of a massacre of around 100 people, including nearly 50 children, in the Syrian region of Houla. It has called for an international investigation and punishment of those responsible.  [...]

Euro crisis

SNB reviews measures in case of eurozone break-up

Thomas Jordan, president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), does not believe the eurozone will collapse. Nevertheless, a task force is reviewing measures, such as capital controls, in the event countries do leave the monetary union.  [...]

June 17 Vote
Basel15 °C
Bern12 °C
Geneva12 °C
Interlaken11 °C
Locarno15 °C
Luzern13 °C
Zurich13 °C
Last updated: 08:38