Harmonizing densification initiatives with city- and townscape preservation

In Switzerland, spatial-development projects are expected to meet disparate requirements relating to densification and city- and townscape preservation, both of which are given high priority. This typically leads to challenges at all administrative levels. We examined how stipulations outlined in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Heritage Sites (ISOS) can be met by planners in the context of high-quality densification projects. Based on case studies carried out in various municipalities, we provided the federal government with recommendations for harmonizing the apparently disparate objectives of these two priorities.