Publications
Commoning the compact city: The role of old and new commons in urban development
Densification of urban areas, often associated with market-driven development, can instead foster sustainable outcomes through processes of commoning. A study on the Old City of Berne, Switzerland, reveals that new commons—despite their transitional and unstable nature—play a pivotal role in shaping governance during urban redevelopment. These commons, unlike old commons, excel not in long-term resource management but in renegotiating institutional arrangements during critical transition phases, advancing socially-sustainable results. The research employs a new institutionalist approach, analyzing localized negotiations among actors in a cooperative housing and green space project. It underscores the potential of new commons to counteract enclosure and commodification when supported by public action.
Reconstruction of the New Station Square in Berne, Switzerland
The reconstruction of the New Station Square in Bern, Switzerland, not only addressed structural safety and durability concerns but also transformed the area into an appealing entrance adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City. The 2007 project, covering 40,000 m², included dismantling parts of concrete slabs and columns while adding new elements and strengthening existing ones. A key innovation was the use of post-installed inclined bonded bars to reinforce the ceiling against punching shear, a method that enhanced structural integrity. Additionally, the reconstruction optimized local transportation stops, an underground shopping center, and pedestrian flow, creating a more functional and aesthetically pleasing urban space.
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