The commodification of temporary housing

Abstract Since the 1970s, temporary uses of vacant spaces have become a preferred urban development strategy to revitalise centrally-located neighbourhoods. In housing sector, however, are barely registered as they provide only short-term shelter in buildings shortly before demolition. Therefore, do not secure stable right housing. Switzerland, nevertheless, increasingly gaining momentum segment. 2010s, besides institutionalised but non-profit housing, for-profit model has emerged. This commodified is managed on owners' behalf and based loaning law contracts that require payment for operating costs, rent. Consequently, legal protection users' rights, namely low-income families, single parents, people with social aid, students remains weak. article detects mechanisms at play explaining reasons shift towards profit-seeking by using an institutionalist actor-centred analysis approach. Through qualitative case study Zurich, phenomenon will be analysed city confronted increasing affordable shortage densification pressure.