Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

The construction and real estate company Halter AG and various partners are building a new residential quarter on the formerly derelict industrial site between the railway tracks and the Limmat River. Investors, building societies and architects are developing the site, which is divided into eleven sections and covers an area the size of about 20 football pitches, based on the urban planning concept by architect Hans Kollhoff.

Does the place serve its purpose?

Where the factory halls once stood, large, imposing new buildings now stand within a rectangular grid of streets. Some of the new buildings are grouped around courtyards, while others border Rapidplatz, which measures an impressive 142 by 40 metres. The 80-metre-high Limmat Tower is the prominent symbol of the new district. Limmatfeld offers living space for up to 3,000 residents, as well as restaurants, cafés, offices, shops and other commercial premises, and green spaces.

Does the place foster sustainable mobility?

Important to Dietikon is the Limmattalbahn, a light rail line that connects the agglomeration community with Zurich Altstetten and other residential, employment and commercial areas in the rapidly growing Limmattal. Limmatfeld itself is located to the north of Dietikon station and is within easy walking distance. The new district is also served by public buses. Travellers can reach Zurich’s main railway station in a quarter of an hour by S-Bahn.

Is the place economically viable in the long view?

Most of the apartments have been sold or rented out. The situation is different for the commercial ground-floor units around Rapidplatz and in other corners of the district, where there are many vacancies or frequent changes in tenancy because the shops and restaurants lack sufficient walk-in customers. At the same time, there is a health cluster in Limmatfeld, with a medical centre, an eye clinic and other specialised medical practices.

Does the place foster community?

The two housing cooperatives BEP and Nest have constructed seven buildings with a total of 213 dwelling units on two adjacent plots in Limmatfeld. Because Duplex Architekten designed the buildings on both plots, they were able to loosen the strict grid of the urban design concept somewhat. Between the residential buildings, they inserted a lower block that serves as a neighbourhood centre. The centre includes community rooms, two guest apartments, a bistro and guest rooms for rent. Children’s playgrounds and tenant gardens in the courtyards of the two sites encourage further encounters.

Was the place thoroughly analysed prior to the intervention?

Based on the concept developed by Atelier Hans Kollhoff in an urban design competition, the town of Dietikon and Halter AG determined the type of residents they envisaged and the type of housing required for each building plot. The aim was to make living in Limmatfeld attractive not only for individuals, couples and young families, but also for older people. Anyone who wants to should be able to spend their whole life here. It was also important that residents should be able to do their basic shopping without having to leave the neighbourhood.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

Until recently, the centre and residential areas of Dietikon were south of the railway line. North of the railway it was mainly industry that expanded until 2008. Today, Limmat Tower signals from afar where the urban motor is humming – behind the tracks. Directly next to the railway station, accessible by bus and close to the Limmat, is a new development area that also gives built expression to the label “City of Dietikon”.

Does the place have an atmospheric impact on the beholder?

Limmatfeld has many faces – from the urban density around Rapidplatz and near Limmat Tower to the tranquil footpath along the Limmat. All the building plots are distinguished by careful planning and thoughtful architecture. But the new quarter still lacks a vibrant life. Various measures to provide shade and encourage active use of Rapidplatz will in the future create a more inviting atmosphere and more opportunities for residents and employees to socialise.