Priora site Balsberg development study
City of Opfikon, Building and Infrastructure Department
September – December 2023
The city of Opfikon has commissioned Drees & Sommer, de Plek, and LAND Suisse to provide strategic planning advice for the Priora site at Balsberg. The consortium assessed the suitability of Balsberg, part of the so-called Airport City, for establishing data centers. Additionally, the project addressed the integration of these large-scale facilities near residential zones. Three key factors were considered: integrating the neighboring residential area, enhancing mobility infrastructure, and creating open spaces, including the forest area that defines the landscape. These elements were crucial for designing a high-quality site where data centers offer additional benefits to residents beyond their primary function. The concept aims to create new spaces and pedestrian connections for both residents and visitors.
Added value
- The development study for the Priora-Areal Balsberg offers solutions for the integration of large typologies such as data centers and creates a variety of new spaces that everyone can benefit from.
Individual services
- Spatial analysis
- Milieu & user analysis
- Development of a spatial model
- Development of scenarios
- Development of design principles with best-practice examples
- Strategic consulting