Treffpunkt Bahnhof SBB
Meeting point at SBB train station (exact location and contact details of the excursion leader will be communicated to the participants)

Departure by train towards Zurich

Departure of S8 in Zurich to Wollishofen

Shuttle bus from Wollishofen station to Seewasserwerk Moos

Seewasserwerk Moos, Zurich/Wollishofen

Leader: Rafael Schneider, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Research Group Urban Ecology
A unique “wonder of the world of ecological construction”. Built in 1914 as one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Switzerland. The green roof has been sealed for 100 years (1.5 cm cast asphalt seal) and is now considered a nature reserve thanks to the orchid diversity, which is unparalleled in the Zurich metropolitan area. The roof of the listed building complex shows how the flora from the early 20th century could be preserved on the roofs. Guided tour by orchid specialists from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW

Transport by shuttle bus to Volkshaus 

Volkshaus, Zurich

Leader: Karin Satori, external consultant on behalf of Green City Zurich
The Volkshaus is a cultural institution in Zurich. The roof of the theater hall, canopies, and terraces in the courtyard of the Volkshaus were responsible for significant heat development in the summer months due to round gravel and rubber plates. The board and the managing director of the Volkshaus decided to green as much of the unused areas as possible to reduce heat and promote biodiversity. The city’s green roof program offered advice and supported the implementation with funding. In spring 2024, approximately 200 m² of rubber plates and nearly 400 m² of gravel were removed and replaced with extensive green roofs and fauna structures. In addition to extensive greening, plant troughs with native shrubs and climbing plants were installed on the walkable terraces.

By public transport to MFO-Park 

MFO-Park, Zurich Oerlikon

Leader: Andreas Badertscher, Green City Zurich
A masterpiece and an icon of urban greening! The MFO-Park consists of two parts: a park area and a large square. A large, green hall spans the park area, creating a unique, multifunctional space of high quality. The hall corresponds to the large-scale volumes of the surrounding buildings. The double-walled galvanized steel structure with climbing aids made of stainless steel cables is enveloped by various lush and fragrant climbing plants. Co-planner and designer Markus Fierz presents the project. Andreas Badertscher, as the responsible expert from Green City Zurich, will share his experiences regarding the maintenance of the MFO-Park and provide insights into the annual pruning of the climbing plants and the control of irrigation technology. The maintenance of this special and large-scale vertical greening project requires good expertise and maintenance planning.

Lunch

Walk to Seebach
(exact location and contact details of the excursion leader will be communicated to the participants)

Façade greening, Zurich Seebach

Leader: Corinne Rüedi, Natur am Haus GmbH
The greening was considered from the beginning with the renovation and the concept of Animal-Aided Design (AAD) was used. Ground-based system with climbing aids. Coordination with bird nesting protection was also central in the construction process. During the energy renovation of a total of 600 m² of exterior shell, around 50 nests of house sparrows that had nested in the shutter boxes were destroyed. The façade greening at least returns some of these lost nesting places. Not only were the construction works timed with the breeding behavior of the house sparrows, but the surrounding habitat of the sparrows was also analyzed during the planning.

Drive to Überlandpark
(exact location and contact details of the excursion leader will be communicated to the participants)

Überlandpark, Zurich

Leader: Green City Zurich
The Überlandpark: a highway cover connects neighborhoods! While the highway traffic rolls under the cover, young and old will relax and enjoy themselves on the deck from 2024. The newly walkable, 940-meter-long and 30-meter-wide green space will be accessible via ramps, stairs, and elevators. Planting: The park will be heavily exposed to sun, wind, and weather, as planting large trees on the deck will not be possible. The green concept therefore envisions a steppe-like vegetation with grasses and smaller and larger bushes.

Conclusion and aperitif

Return by tram to Zurich Main Station

Return by train to Basel

End of the excursion at Basel SBB station

(Program subject to change)