Meyrin, home to the European nuclear research centre CERN, had the long-term vision to prioritise social cohesion and biodiversity in its plans to accommodate an exploding population, the Swiss Heritage Society said on Thursday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/gw
Português
pt
Cidade anexa à Genebra se destaca em desenvolvimento urbano
The Society praised the former agricultural village bordering the city of Geneva for its transformation into a “large, lively and pleasant community […] in the space of two generations”. Meyrin’s population has grown by 1,200% since 1950.
Host to CERN and a portion of the Geneva Airport, today the municipality is home to 26,000 residents from a whopping 140 different nationalities.
Over time municipal planners have adapted existing buildings to modern needs and favoured public meeting places in rejuvenation plans. One example is the Nouvelle Cité, built in the 1960s as the first satellite city in Switzerland to cope with a growing demand for housing. The complex has undergone sensitive and sustainable renovation works that highlight its original urban design.
The Society also singled out the new eco housing development Les VergersExternal link, created in direct consultation with the community to accommodate up to 3,000 inhabitants. The development is guided by three pillars of sustainability: social cohesion, respect for the environment and economic efficiency.
“Through its actions, [Meyrin] has shown how a municipality can assume its responsibilities towards its population and the environment,” the Society said.
Founded in 1905, the Swiss Heritage Society is focused on “the preservation of important landmarks, the development of the structural environment, and the promotion of good architectural design”. In 2022 it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Wakker prizeExternal link, given each year to a municipality or organisation for achievements in high-quality urban development.
Related Stories
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
Switzerland triggers unprecedented special status for Ukrainian refugees
This content was published on
Production in Switzerland's secondary sector fell in the second quarter of 2025. The decline was more pronounced in the construction sector than for industry.
Swiss army recruits remain in hospital after gruelling test exercise
This content was published on
Four potential recruits for the elite Swiss grenadier unit were hospitalised last week after taking part in a gruelling exercise in hot weather. Three remain in hospital with one placed temporarily in an artificial coma.
University of Basel to mark 125th anniversary of Nietzsche’s death
This content was published on
This month the University of Basel is celebrating the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who was a professor there from 1869 to 1879. August 25th marks the 125th anniversary of his death.
Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff
This content was published on
Swiss brands like Victorinox, the manufacturer of the iconic pocket knife, are struggling to adapt to the 39% tariff imposed by the United States on imports of Swiss goods.
Fish and aquatic plants are under ‘severe pressure’ in Swiss rivers and lakes
This content was published on
Fish, aquatic plants and other animals in Swiss rivers, lakes and streams remain under 'severe pressure', according to the Federal Office for the Environment.
Swatch withdraws ‘slanted eyes’ ad after China uproar
This content was published on
The Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch has apologised and withdrawn an advertising campaign worldwide following accusations of racism in China. The ad features a model pulling the corners of his eyes.
Police identify bodies of three climbers who died in Swiss Alps
This content was published on
Police have formally identified the bodies of three climbers who died in the Upper Valais region in early August: they are from Germany, France and Austria.
Bern exhibition reunites Kirchner paintings after 92 years
This content was published on
The painting Sonntag der Bergbauern (Alpsonntag) [Sunday of the Mountain Farmers (Alp Sunday) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) is being transferred from Berlin to Bern to feature in an upcoming exhibition at Kunstmuseum Bern.
Voters approve extension of Engadine Airport in Switzerland
This content was published on
Residents in the Upper Engadine region gave the greenlight on Sunday to the expansion of the regional airport at Samedan, one of Europe’s highest airports (1,707 metres) that serves the nearby resorts of St Moritz and Davos.
Private equity group Advent to buy U-Blox for $1.3 billion
This content was published on
Private equity group Advent International has agreed to take over Switzerland's U-Blox Holding in a cash offer worth CHF1.05 billion ($1.30 billion).
This content was published on
From India to Switzerland, town planner Matias Echanove is a pioneer of participative urbanism, which builds according to the needs of inhabitants.
‘Urban density shouldn’t be a scapegoat for the Covid-19 crisis’
This content was published on
With Covid-19 raising questions about the future of urban areas, a Swiss video game has re-imagined cityscapes to meet public health challenges.
Why most Swiss buildings are environmentally inefficient
This content was published on
Buildings account for about a quarter of annual CO2 emissions in Switzerland. But progress has been slow to do more to save energy.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.