UBS, Switzerland's largest bank, has proposed a 108-meter-high tower in Altstetten, Zurich, which has sparked controversy among local residents and environmental advocates.
The project aims to replace an existing office complex and accommodate approximately 2,700 employees. However, the Young Greens party has launched a referendum against the private design plan, citing concerns about CO2 emissions and environmental degradation.
The proposed building, designed by architect Kengo Kuma in collaboration with Swiss firm Itten + Brechbühl, features a publicly accessible roof terrace and ground-floor amenities. The Young Greens argue that the construction of high-rise buildings consumes significant resources and undermines sustainability efforts.
They have gathered over 2,179 valid signatures to trigger a referendum. Critics have labeled the design as prioritizing aesthetics over ecological responsibility and have highlighted the lack of residential units in a city facing a housing shortage.
The municipal council approved the design plan, with supporters arguing that the tower will contribute to CO2 neutrality and align with sustainable urban development goals. Proponents of the project argue that maintaining a robust financial sector in Zurich is crucial for the city's economic vitality and job creation.
The Altstetten location has been a strategic focus for UBS, and the new high-rise is seen as necessary to accommodate its growing workforce. The outcome of the referendum will not only determine the fate of the UBS high-rise but also set a precedent for future urban development projects in Zurich, reflecting the city's balancing act between economic growth and environmental sustainability.