Urban Transformation in Airport Regions: Fid-Bau Portal

Urban Transformation in Airport Regions

Scholl, Bernd / Nebel, Reto

Airport development in densely populated regions presents a major challenge to all parties involved. The main issue in airport regions is a trust-building and proactive handling of noise pollution. Spatial planning especially is being called upon to deliver integrative solutions for future spatial and airport development through innovative planning processes. The establishment of a demarcation line that indicates the boundaries of the area of existing and future possible aircraft noise pollution can create a reliable space for future settlement development. Based on the potential noise reduction, the boundary line could shrink and generate so-called delta spaces, which deserve special attention from spatial planning. However, the settlement area in the airport region with a potential for redevelopment must also be known.

Using the development of Zurich Airport as an example, one such process is presented and conclusions concerning future processes are drawn from it. The case study makes it clear that spatial planning is being called upon to proactively engage with the development of high-density traffic airports. In particular, technological advances in aircraft manufacture to reduce noise emissions, as well as innovative landing and take-off procedures, open new perspectives to mitigate the central conflicts in airport and spatial development. The importance of assessing the potential for settlement redevelopment in airport regions is a significant conclusion.