Evaluation: 5 years of Spatial Concept for Switzerland

On behalf of the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE), Brugger + Partner supported the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the company BHP Raumplan in evaluating the Spatial Concept for Switzerland. Adopted in 2012 by the federal government, cantons, cities, and municipalities, the Spatial Concept for Switzerland requires a periodic review every five years to assess its implementation status and identify areas for adjustment while maintaining a tripartite dialogue. The project's objective was to collect experiences and insights on the implementation of the spatial concept through surveys and derive actionable recommendations. In the initial round, twelve experts closely associated with the spatial concept, primarily from the cantonal level, were interviewed. The insights from these interviews informed the selection of additional interviewees from various sectors, including politics, academia, municipalities, regions, the business community, and associations, for a second round of consultations. The consolidated findings were reviewed in a workshop and documented in a comprehensive evaluation report that included actionable recommendations.