A multi-dimensional spatial policy model for large-scale multi-municipal Swiss contexts

Switzerland’s widely adopted spatial policy rejects the use of new land in favour promoting densification existing buildings or brownfield developments. However, to date there has not been an assessment volumetric building reserves that are still available within current regulatory framework. This paper addresses this lacuna using a case study agglomeration Lausanne. An automated model with particular focus on density and its volume residential mixed-use areas allows for be quantified, assessed evaluated countrywide scale since it takes location lot into consideration cross-references correct regulation. Three-dimensional comparison us identify whether maximum permitted under regulation is greater than volume. For test case, identified 38 hectares square metres (‘building surplus’ context buildings, either form extending infill development) 93 developments (brownfield development vacant derelict open land) buildings. At same time, almost all allocated beyond Lausanne’s inner-city boundaries.