New Swiss Architecture is an original project by New Generations, aiming to analyse and better understand the contemporary Swiss architectural context through a series of 75 interviews with selected emerging practices. Launched in September 2024, the project was developed through a structured interview format, with each conversation audio-recorded, transcribed, and edited by the New Generations team. The results of this research will be published on New Generations and compiled in a printed publication, to be released in 2026.

The Process

Between April and June 2024, New Generations carried out a mapping phase across several European countries to gather data and strengthen its international network of emerging practices. The outcome in Switzerland proved especially significant: in under a month, New Generations identified 450 emerging practices across around 35 Swiss cities. From these, 100 studios were selected based on several parameters—less than ten years of professional activity, geographical distribution, realised projects, and more—and invited to participate in the research. Ultimately, 75 of these agreed to take part in the interview series.

Context

Switzerland offers a unique ground for architectural experimentation and critical reflection. Home to some of the most advanced architecture schools in Europe—such as EPFL in Lausanne, ETH in Zurich, and the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio—as well as a strong network of Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences), the country nurtures a rich architectural culture that permeates many layers of society.

A progressive and accessible competition system—featuring over 250 competitions a year, roughly half of which are open to any qualified architect—has fostered a strong tradition of public commissions. These often serve as crucial springboards for young architects to establish their practices.

At the same time, the construction industry is actively engaging in the ecological transition, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by limiting the use of concrete and prioritising the reuse of existing buildings. This shift is driving growing interest in natural, low-impact materials such as wood, rammed earth, clay, and straw. New companies and public programmes are increasingly investing in these approaches—particularly in public buildings—contributing to innovation while lowering the cost of applying these techniques.

Switzerland’s demographic evolution also plays a key role in shaping the current architectural landscape. Since 1960, the population has grown from around 6 to 9 million, prompting efforts to densify the urban fabric. Architects are now being called upon to meet emerging needs—designing schools (one of the most common programmes in public competitions), social housing (to counter rising living costs), sports facilities, and small-scale public infrastructure such as bus stations or maisons de quartier (community buildings hosting educational and leisure programmes for residents).

Another telling data point is that nearly 60% of the 75 practices involved in New Swiss Architecture are composed of both Swiss and foreign architects—mainly Italians, French, Germans, and Spanish. This reflects not only Switzerland’s linguistic and geographic proximity to neighbouring countries but also the long-term effects of professional migration sparked by the 2008 economic crisis. Many architects relocated to Switzerland during that period to study or seek opportunities, and today we are witnessing the cultural and professional synthesis that has emerged as a result.

These conditions—only briefly outlined here—explain why New Generations chose to focus its latest research on Switzerland. Through a series of in-depth interviews with emerging practices, New Swiss Architecture explores how a new generation of architects is responding to pressing social, ecological, and political challenges—reimagining what it means to build today.

Outcomes

The interviews, conducted by Gianpiero Venturini in two rounds, have been transcribed and edited and will be published between April and December 2025. They offer valuable insights into the thinking and work of a new generation of Swiss architects. Two to three interviews will be released each week via our website and Instagram channel (@NewGens) through the end of 2025. The full series will culminate in a printed publication compiling the interviews.

Credits

A project by New Generations

Interviews: Gianpiero Venturini

Editing: Kimberly Kruge and Gianpiero Venturini

Proofreading: Kimberly Kruge

Web and Instagram intro texts: Canyang Cheng

Other professionals involved in different phases of the project: Akshid Rajendran, Ilaria Donadel

A special thanks goes to the participating practices, who actively supported the interviews and contributed to the editorial process—engaging in an open exchange that shaped the final outcome of each conversation.