Restructuring the Swiss city: urban regeneration is not for everyone

A return to density has been the focus of programs and policies of most of the European cities. Switzerland is no exception. A number of projects of urban restructuring in the centre of large metropolitan areas, small cities and even villages have thus emerged in recent years. Supported by an efficient rail- way network, the ongoing transformation of decommissioned railway-yards, former industrial sites and vacant lots appears a consistent policy addressed towards a more sustainable urbanization pattern. But who are the new dwellers of the city centres? As the first realizations have shown, only a small part of the population will benefit from this transformation increasing its "spatial capital". While only few administrations have more distinct public housing policies, the market is the major force driving the transformation producing new smooth layers of inequalities within the city. The paper, based on recent design experiences, suggests a different interpretation of the process of urban restructuring, focusing on the challenge of integrating resource redistribution in regeneration policies and into design tools.