Chair of Günther Vogt ETH Zürich

The Alps have always been integrated into the economic and social developments of the European continent. When considering water as a central resource of the Alpine landscape, the consequences of the rising temperature become clear. The rapidly progressing melting of the glaciers and the declining significance of the snow are a “liquefaction of the water balance.” As a result the Alps can no longer completely fulfill their function as Europe’s water tower, particularly in summer. They will, however, continue to be of outstanding importance in the Central European water supply. The adjacent lowlands of the Alps also become drier in summer. In order to explore how to deal with water in the Alps from now on, a broad conversation is necessary. Common Water: The Alps proposes a new reading of the Alpine landscape as an “ecological island” at the center of the continent, integrating various disciplines such as art, natural sciences, engineering, and landscape architecture. Seen in a European framework unprecedented features arise: a resource space for (immaculate quality) water and energy; a hotspot of biodiversity; a tourist destination with pleasant.

Department of Architecture (D-ARCH)
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
Network City and Landscape (NSL)
Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

© Chair of Günther Vogt, ETH Zurich © Julien Seguinot