Repurposing office space and densifying cities: This is how Switzerland wants to grow

Key Findings

• High level of satisfaction with housing: Despite negative public debate, three out of four people in Switzerland are satisfied with their current housing situation.

• Densification is acceptable, but in a targeted manner: Around 80% of people see densification as a suitable or partially suitable measure, especially in cities, but only if it leads to a visible improvement in quality.

• Green spaces are key to acceptance: around half of those surveyed approve of building density when it is combined with more green spaces, upgraded natural and open spaces, better public transport connections, and sustainable construction.

• Conversion is popular: two-thirds are in favour of converting existing buildings, whereas new buildings on previously undeveloped land receive significantly less approval.

Three out of four people in Switzerland are satisfied with their current living situation. This satisfaction stems from having enough space at home, friendly neighbours, and the opportunity to settle down long-term. In short: people want stability, social integration and enough space within their own four walls. Factors such as public transport connections, tax attractiveness, or the organisational form of tenure (e.g. cooperatives) play a much smaller role in subjective satisfaction with housing.

Despite the high level of satisfaction, around 40 per cent believe that our way of life must change due to population growth. Almost another 40 per cent partially agree with this view.

'The majority of respondents are content with their living situation, but at the same time recognise the need for change. This is a crucial basis for change' says Britta Friedrich, head of the Migros Pioneer Fund. ‘The survey also shows how such changes can be implemented in concrete terms and under what conditions they are acceptable to respondents. For example, densification is acceptable, but with a focus on quality, such as green enhancements or repurposing.'

Surprisingly high approval for urban densification

Around 80 per cent of the population view densification as an effective measure against housing shortages, or at least partially effective. Location is a decisive factor here. All respondents, whether city dwellers or villagers, agree that cities should absorb the bulk of population growth, followed by conurbations. Rural areas should be spared as much as possible.

Densification measures in one's own neighbourhood are also widely accepted. Around one third can imagine their own building being extended, or a taller building being constructed nearby. Clearly, the urban population is more willing to accept densification in their own environment than respondents from rural regions. 'Densification is particularly accepted where it already exists and offers added value,' says Dr Jakub Samochowiec, Senior Researcher at the GDI.

Green spaces are key to acceptance

The findings on the conditions for acceptance of densification are clear. Around half of those surveyed said that they would be more accepting of densification if it were combined with more green spaces, upgraded natural and open spaces, better public transport connections, and sustainable construction. Greenery and nature are the strongest factors for acceptance, even stronger than financial incentives. Acceptance of densification measures cannot be bought, for example through lower rents.

At the same time, people's reservations are clear: two-thirds fear that densification will lead to the loss of green spaces, more noise, more waste and rising rents. Densification therefore needs to offer visible benefits. Without an improvement in quality of life, acceptance will decline.

Change is accepted if it does not affect private space

People are willing to live in denser conditions, but only if their private space is not affected. Only around 15 per cent of respondents would be willing to reduce their living space for communal use, for example by sharing offices or guest rooms. At least 20 per cent could envisage sharing their living space. Therefore, the limit of acceptance lies not in building density, but in the intimacy of private living space. People are open to change as long as it does not affect their personal space.

Repurposing office space as an opportunity

Converting existing buildings is the most popular option: two-thirds of those surveyed are in favour of converting office or industrial space into homes. Only around 10 per cent are against it. The construction of residential spaces on land previously used for agriculture is supported by only around a quarter of those surveyed. It is clear that growth should take place within existing settlement areas and not at the expense of the countryside and nature.

‘The Migros Pioneer Fund supports start-ups that improve quality of life in Switzerland through innovative solutions. The effectiveness of these solutions also depends on how well they are accepted by society,’ explains Britta Friedrich. ‘Thanks to the survey, we now know what the population needs and can therefore tailor our construction and housing support accordingly. Specifically, we will capitalise on the openness to qualitative densification and seek out targeted projects in this area.’

Method: More than 2,000 people from German, French and Italian-speaking Switzerland were surveyed online, representing all parts of the country, age groups and genders.

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Migros Pioneer Fund: Making the Future Better

Since 2012, the Migros Pioneer Fund has complemented Migros' social commitment by taking an entrepreneurial approach to funding. It provides start-up financing for young companies that want to address social issues and effect positive change through their innovative business ideas. The fund has around CHF 15 million at its disposal each year and is supported by Migros Group companies such as Denner, Migros Bank, Migrol, Migrolino, and Ex Libris. Through its 'From 0 to 100' initiative, the Migros Pioneer Fund addresses key future issues. As part of a 'mission', the fund focuses on a socially relevant topic for a specific period of time. Its current mission, 'Building. Housing. Living' is addressing the question of how Switzerland can cope with population growth without compromising quality of life, sustainability, or social cohesion. A call for ideas is open until mid-March. The fund is looking for entrepreneurial ideas that will create added value for everyone through qualitative densification.

www.migros-pionierfonds.ch
www.von0auf100.org

Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute – Creating Futures

The Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) is Switzerland's oldest think tank. As a place for inspiration, innovation and strategic impetus, the GDI brings decision-makers together to shape the future of business and society. The GDI combines research and practice to develop pioneering strategies together with companies. It empowers leaders in the fields of trade, nutrition and health and offers guidance in times of change – always with an eye on social, technological and ecological developments. The independent institute is supported by Migros Culture Percentage.

www.gdi.ch/housing