The architectural structure of the Werkstadt buildings, along with their prime location on Hohlstrasse and within the rail area, provides excellent conditions for the gradual opening and repurposing of the site. A key element of this transformation strategy is the synergy between the historically significant building fabric, the public utilisation of outdoor spaces, and the potential for urban densification. This vision is supported by a commitment to open, flexible urban development, allowing the site to adapt to new uses and challenges through a series of carefully planned construction measures, thereby connecting the area with the surrounding neighbourhood and enriching the urban landscape.
Site Area: 43 000 m²
Gross Floor Area: 18 450 m² (short- and medium-term)
Floor Area: 105 000 m² (long-term)
Open Space: 5100 m²
Event Hall: 1000 m²
Werkstädter:innen: 44 (as of Mai 2025)
The transformation of Werkstadt began in 2018 with the leasing of previously vacant spaces. In the medium term, more areas of the site will become available for new uses, with the entire location anticipated to be fully transformed by 2025.
History
The current facility features several historical construction phases. Along Hohlstrasse, the administration building with a storage area was completed in 1905, making it the oldest structure on the site. In 1910 and 1911, the adjacent «Wohlfahrtshaus» was built, featuring a large dining hall for workers on the ground floor, along with shower cubicles and bathrooms in the basement. The former wood drying facility has been part of the street façade since 1909. The production buildings constructed between 1910 and 1919 include a painting workshop, a vehicle maintenance building, and a turning shop.
All buildings on the site create a compact urban structure, with streets and courtyards forming a cohesive ensemble. The consistent use of materials, characterised by yellow brick façades, serves as a unifying element. Beyond their historical significance, these buildings provide a foundation for future uses, which should be thoughtfully repurposed and enhanced. Future architecture will engage in close dialogue with the existing structures, ensuring sustainable construction and material use that meet the needs of users.
Over the past century, the manufacturing sector and industry have primarily moved to the outskirts of cities. As we transition from an industrial society to a more knowledge-based economy, new needs, conditions, and opportunities are emerging for urban craft and production sites.
Master plan «Werkstadt Zürich»
In collaboration with the City of Zurich and the cantonal heritage preservation authority, SBB has developed the master plan for «Werkstadt Zürich», which received approval from the City Council in September 2021. This master plan aims to transform the 42 000 square metre site of the SBB workshops into an attractive, vibrant, and multifunctional location for urban production, enhanced by public-oriented services. The development is designed to attract commercial and industrial businesses, as well as start-ups.
The master plan also incorporates strategies focused on sustainability, land use, construction, public open spaces, and mobility.
The Werkstadt master plan reflects a collaborative and interdisciplinary planning process. It elaborates on the key principles established in the overarching strategy, while encouraging stakeholders to engage actively in shaping the urban workspace. The site’s transformation will contribute to urban densification, job preservation, and an improved quality of life, thereby adding value to both the neighbourhood and the city of Zurich.
Outdoor Space
A central aspect of the transformation is the redesign of outdoor areas into inviting public meeting zones. These spaces are designed to encourage people to linger and engage with their surroundings. Furthermore, the craft activities taking place within the buildings will be opened to the outside, showcasing the creative processes. The site aspires to be an inspiring destination for work, leisure, and relaxation, accommodating a diverse range of activities.
Neighbourhood and Community
The site is conceived as an extension of the existing neighbourhood. With its development and opening, the range of offerings and opportunities in work, services, and leisure will significantly expand. This transformation aims to evolve in close dialogue with the local community and business owners, ensuring that it meets their needs and aspirations.
Energy and Sustainability
The careful development of the site and the preservation of existing buildings and infrastructure significantly contribute to the project’s energy balance. Two key principles underpin a sustainable overall solution: Firstly, existing buildings will be interconnected with newly constructed ones to create synergies in infrastructure investment. Secondly, the transformation will focus on minimising CO2 emissions across the entire area.
The «embodied energy contained in the materials», expended during their production, will be included in the CO2 assessment, alongside the overall operation of the site. This approach facilitates a balance between economic viability and ecological responsibility throughout the transformation. In addition to innovative technologies, diverse usage forms, material choices, and socio-economic processes will all contribute to a sustainable energy concept.
Mobility
From rail connections to e-bikes, and from delivery services to car-sharing, we view mobility as a comprehensive concept. A continually evolving blend of traditional and innovative elements is essential for achieving sustainable mobility for both people and goods. Our goal is to minimise unnecessary energy consumption, reduce traffic volume, noise, and pollutants, while fostering mobility synergies in the utilisation and development of the site.
