MITWIRKUNG ZUKUNFTSBILD ESCHNER ZENTRUM
YEAR | 2025
CLIENT | Eschen
COOPERATION | Salewski Nater Kretz AG |BÖE studio | TEAMverkehr
Urban development today still relies on zoning plans from decades ago, which often lead to homogenized neighborhoods. Reframing development through the perspective of settlement emphasizes the neighborhood as a diverse, living organism. Eschen’s center district is particularly significant, as it provides shared functions for all neighborhoods and includes residential areas, the core zone, and public facilities. The main task is to define the character of this future center district
Traffic represents both opportunity and challenge: it enables mobility and access, but also brings danger, noise, pollution, and environmental costs. In Eschen, traffic has evolved significantly in recent decades. When planning the city center, traffic can be leveraged to improve accessibility while also enhancing quality of life. The focus lies on connections between the center and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as with Essanestrasse. The previously proposed “service T” model from the last transport plan proved ineffective, so a more decentralized system of connections is now being considered.
Traditionally, landscape is seen as external to the village—agriculture, rivers, forests, and mountains—but smaller-scale landscapes such as tree-lined avenues and fountains also exist within villages. These inner landscapes provide recreation, identity, and climate benefits. However, a long-term trend shows their decline, leading to a sharper divide between “inside” and “outside.” While rural green spaces disappear, new elements like playgrounds emerge; shade trees gain importance. The key question for the future is what kinds of landscapes should remain or be created within villages, and what roles they should play in a changing society and climate.
The livability and vitality of a village depend on versatile and well-distributed uses. When daily needs—such as school, shopping, work, and recreation—are accessible within walking or cycling distance, quality of life improves and local businesses benefit. In villages like Eschen, with low to medium density, concentrating activities in central areas and designing for walkability strengthens both social life and the local economy. The overall goal is a balanced mix of uses that fosters demand, supply, and community well-being.
