Codes and conventions for future Zurich: A Propositional Planning Approach to Qualitative Densification

Departement: Chair of Prof. Avermaete
 

Doctoral Position (PhD) SNF funded project: Codes and conventions for future Zurich: A Propositional Planning Approach to Qualitative Densification



ETH Zürich, Chair for the History and Theory of Urban Design
100% from 1 September 2021 (four years full-time)
Prof. Tom Avermaete (ETH Zürich) with Dr. Irina Davidovici

Project Background
The Chair for the History and Theory of Urban Design of the gta Institute at ETH Zurich (Prof. Tom Avermaete, Dr. Irina Davidovici) offers a four-year doctoral position in the framework of the collaborative research project “Codes and conventions for future Zurich: A Propositional Planning Approach to Qualitative Densification”. This research project is a collaboration with the ISUP Institute for Urban and Landscape Studies at the Accademia di Architettura Mendrisio AAM, and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation Council (SNSF). It combines historical (ETH) and design-led (AAM) research to explore urban strategies for housing the anticipated 25% population increase that Zurich faces in the next 20 years. A ‘retroactive analysis’ of the historical evolution of building codes, as well as of the specific urban types and morphologies they have generated, offers the basis for ‘propositional planning’ investigations of their required future adjustment to allow for a process of densification while maintaining urban quality.

Duties/Job description
The doctoral subproject conducted at the Chair for the History and Theory of Urban Design of the gta Institute provides the project’s historical research component. The ETH team will undertake the retroactive analysis of Zurich’s urban tissue from the 1830s, when most of Zurich’s fortifications were demolished, to today, working back from current conditions to understand the generating logics of its planning regulations. It examines how cultural, economic and social patterns have influenced the definition of urban codes, and how in turn these codes have dictated the typical and characteristic configurations of Zurich’s current fabric. This subproject is restricted to the city’s current administrative borders. The successful doctoral candidate will be affiliated to the doctoral program of the Department of Architecture of ETH Zurich, and will take part in the courses and activities associated with this program.

Your Profile
We are looking for a PhD candidate with background in architecture, the history and theory of architecture, or architect / landscape architect with research experience. Prospective candidates should hold a diploma or a Master’s degree acquired at university level in architecture or related fields. Outstanding design, research and writing skills are required, as well as drawing skills (ArchiCad, Illustrator). Professional command of German (spoken, read) and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
Interested?
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents (in English):
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample (English)
• Drawing sample
• Contact details for two academic references (contacts only, please; no letters will be accepted)
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Submission deadline: 30 June 2021, 23:59 CET
For further information please visit our project website https://avermaete.arch.ethz.ch/researchprojects/codes-and-conventions-for-future-zurich-a-propositional-planning-approach-to-qualitative-densification

Contact: Dr. Irina Davidovici (irina.davidovici@gta.arch.ethz.ch).

The Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture (gta) was founded in 1967 as part of the Department of Architecture (D-ARCH). Find out more about the Institute under www.gta.arch.ethz.ch. For general information on working and studying at ETH, please refer to: www.ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research/welcome-center.

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