Werkstadt Zürich: Revitalizing Urban Manufacturing in City Center

In a bold move to revive urban manufacturing, Werkstadt Zürich has transformed a former Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) maintenance hall into a vibrant production hub in the heart of Zürich. Located at the edge of the historic Altstetten neighborhood, adjacent to one of Europe’s busiest rail hubs, this innovative project aims to reintegrate manufacturing into urban life, enhancing community engagement and economic sustainability.

Launched in 2024, Werkstadt Zürich is the brainchild of federal mandates requiring SBB to utilize its substantial property portfolio effectively. The initiative also responds to local political strategies aimed at preserving urban production zones amid a growing trend of office and residential developments taking precedence. According to Ben Pohl, an urban designer at Denkstatt Sàrl, “The project was conceived to avoid the complete displacement of manufacturing to suburban areas, thus fostering a dynamic urban ecosystem.”

The reimagined site, known as Halle Q, now accommodates various businesses, including Qwstion, a sustainable bag manufacturer using banana-plant fibers, and Laflor, a chocolatier focused on artisanal products. Christian Kaegi, co-founder of Qwstion, emphasizes the importance of transparency in production, noting, “Today there is a disconnect between the products that people consume and how they are made.” To bridge this gap, Werkstadt Zürich organizes “Factory Fridays,” allowing the public to explore the manufacturing processes and engage directly with creators.

The architectural design of Werkstadt Zürich features a range of flexible spaces, from small units of 100 square meters to expansive 3,000 square meter areas with high ceilings. This versatility is crucial for nurturing startups and established companies alike, providing them with the necessary infrastructure to scale operations. Andreas Fehr, co-founder of apparel company Neumühle, states, “It is a community for creation, where different industries can collaborate and innovate together.”

Research from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) highlights the economic benefits of urban manufacturing, indicating that local production can significantly reduce carbon footprints while fostering community ties and job creation (Schmid, T. et al., 2023, *Journal of Urban Economics*). However, challenges remain, including zoning regulations and the need for sustainable practices.

Internationally, urban manufacturing initiatives have gained traction, with cities like Berlin and San Francisco leading similar efforts to integrate production into urban environments. These projects are often backed by local governments aiming to stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on global supply chains.

Looking ahead, Werkstadt Zürich is poised to become a model for other urban centers grappling with the challenges of maintaining local manufacturing industries. With ongoing support from city planners and community engagement, this initiative represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and interconnected urban future. The success of Werkstadt Zürich could inspire global cities to rethink their approach to urban manufacturing, ultimately contributing to a more resilient economic landscape.