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Process phases

Quantitative and qualitative surveys regarding the perception and use of the Dunkelhölzli area.

  • Recording of the frequencies of visitors on the site

  • User survey

  • Expert interviews

Construction and conversion of:

  • Five garden fields

  • New paths, opening of streams and flood protection

  • Renovation of greenhouses and surroundings

Quantitative and qualitative surveys regarding changes in perception and use of the Dunkelhölzli site during the pilot operation.

  • Recording of the frequencies of visitors on the site

  • Observations User

  • survey

  • Expert interviews

Quantitative and qualitative surveys regarding the perception and use of the Dunkelhölzli area during regular operation.

  • Recording of the frequencies of visitors on the site

  • Observations User

  • survey

  • Expert interviews

The findings gained from the monitoring are continuously incorporated into regular operations and also serve Grün Stadt Zürich in the planning and implementation of similar projects.

Dunkelhölzli

Monitoring Dunkelhölzli

Start date / End date overall process

01 Jul 2024 / 31 Mar 2035

Current phase

About this process

Needs analysis and use survey on the Dunkelhölzli site as part of the site development 2024 - 2035

Initial situation
The Dunkelhölzli site is being redesigned and developed by Grün Stadt Zürich to improve local recreation facilities and promote diverse garden use. In addition to the existing family gardens, five new large garden fields and a spacious publicly accessible local recreation area are being created on the Dunkelhölzli site. Streams are being opened, renaturalized and flood protection is ensured.
The conversion of the residential building at Dunkelhölzlistr. 21 and the farm building have already been completed. Construction of the gardening, park and hydraulic engineering project began at the beginning of 2026. The conversion of the greenhouses and the building at Salzweg 50 is in the planning phase. For more information, see https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/areal-dunkelhoelzli

Project
Many different users are already active on site. The long-term operating concept will be developed in a pilot project from 2029.

The vision for the Dunkelhölzli site:

  • The area is a place of encounter and exchange, a place where the future is sown.

  • With the creation of new paths and public space, it is accessible to all.

  • The area offers space for gardening, learning, biodiversity and natural recreation.

  • A large network of interested users develops and implements new ideas and projects that bring together gardening, science, education and art.

Figure1: Design of the future area Dunkelhölzli

Figure 2: Aerial view of the Dunkelhölzli area

Process lead

Barbara Merz, Grün Stadt Zürich

Reference: MSZ-PART-2024-08-138