Together with a new highway exit and by-pass around Wil, a new development area for workplaces was to be defined. Yet, the surrounding region already has vacant commercial lots and outside the metropolitan regions, the demand for land is not high enough. This masterplan concept, therefore, proposed to re-position the area with a temporary use first and only then develop it in steps to achieve the final desired mix of functions.

An urban farm could serve as a transitional use. Such a project consists of greenhouses and fishtanks, involves low investment costs and generates returns quickly. With additional functions like a theme park, an interpretive center, a restaurant and a playground, it would create a visible identity for the site.

The affordable price of the land, the development potential, and the large, continuous plot of land in public hands (the Canton of St. Gallen) speak positively for the location. These assets will be best utilized by the current land-owner with transitional uses gradually upgrading the site. Infrastructure will only be constructed when necessary.

Planning will decouple the various requirements of the site and the infrastructure, therefore guaranteeing the largest possible freedom of action.

The urban layout developed during the study became the basis for the official masterplan currently being developed in collaboration with KEEAS, IBV, Robin Winogrond and the public hand.

The project in the press:

“Kantone St. Gallen Und Thurgau Entwickeln Wil-West Gemeinsam.”
Neue Zürcher Zeitung.  30.08.2013

“Das Lehrstück von Wil West.”
Neue Zürcher Zeitung.  21.08.2014