The road space between Hardbrücke station and Escher-Wyss-Platz is currently characterized by traffic noise, poor visibility, and a lack of amenities. With the „Die Säulenhalle“ (The Column Hall) initiative, OOS is working with a group of the same name to demonstrate how the area beneath the Hardbrücke could be transformed into a 700-metre-long covered public square for Zurich West — the longest roof in Switzerland!
The Westtangente inner city bypass, which includes the Hardbrücke bridge and was inaugurated in Zurich in 1973, is still regarded today as a symbol of urban destruction. Since its opening, experts from the fields of architecture and urban planning, as well as local residents, have been fighting against the resulting no-man’s-land – without success.
Instead of continuing the fight, the working group „Die Säulenhalle“ is using the existing Hardbrücke structure as a starting point for the development of a new urban center. Zurich West is to be given a publicly accessible space that connects people socially and spatially. The plans include public areas for markets, neighborhood festivals, cafés, shops, workshops, sports facilities, an open-air cinema, and recreation rooms.
The project is taking a stand against the ongoing transformation of the once vibrant Zurich West district into a monotonous business district. The initiative takes its name from the supporting pillars of the approximately 700-meter-long Hardbrücke section between the SBB Hardbrücke station and the Limmat River. It is based on 13 concrete measures – the „13 columns“ – which together are intended to create a versatile, urban space for everyone.
Less transit traffic, more time spent in the area: Through traffic will be reduced and the space will be repurposed for recreation, socializing, and commercial use.
No more parking spaces: Around 180 parking spaces will be removed to make way for 2,000 m² of additional public space.
Cars banned under the bridge: Motorized private transport will be prohibited under the bridge, and adjacent streets will end as dead ends with turning areas.
A tram lane next to instead of under the bridge: The central tram line will be moved to the side of the bridge to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Space for slow traffic: The space under the bridge will be reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists in future, with optimized neighborhood connections.
Continuation of the Mühlezug – for the time being: The historic railway carriage transport will continue until further notice. Its possible discontinuation will create additional space at a later date.
Finally, a station square: Hardbrücke station will get a traffic-free, covered square with places to hang out and things to do for locals and passers-by.
A series of squares: Along the axis, a series of different squares with specific functions and atmospheric qualities will be created.
Lively ground floors: The adjacent properties, whether private or public, will be connected to the space under the bridge.
The end of the car wash: From 2027, a new urban center with neighborhood amenities, businesses, culture, and 100 apartments will be built on the site.
An open-air center: The covered area of 17,000 m2 will form a weather-protected, versatile urban space.
Many indoor spaces: Under the bridge, affordable, removable boxes will be built for restaurants, shops, workshops, and offices.
Concentrated, lush greenery: Despite difficult conditions, the space will be intensively greened and, where possible, unsealed, including greenery elements on the bridge structure.
The initiative is the third in a series. The two previous initiatives, „Josef will wohnen” (Josef wants to live) and „Blühende Pfingstweide” (Blooming Pfingstweide), which were also launched by the Hamasil Foundation, are committed to keeping Zurich West intact and vibrant.
