Planning with power. Implementing urban densification policies in Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract

This article contributes to the debate on power in planning. It builds on recent developments linked with the so- called new institutional turn in planning. By bridging planning, new institutionalism, and power, the article ambitions to (1) develop a conceptual framework that captures the role of power in concrete spatial development projects, and (2) illustrate the potential of this framework with a real-life example of contested urban redevel- opment in Zurich, Switzerland. The proposed framework provides a different picture of urban densification processes which are typically presented as eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives. Through its impact on the built environment and on existing rights and interests, redevelopment for urban densification creates not only winners, but also losers, especially among those inhabitants who cannot afford the higher rent following rede- velopment in favor of density. Due to its conflictual nature, densification is therefore an ideal subject to study power in planning.