When its t was originally built, the construction of the Post Wipkingen was enabled only through a special building permit issued by the city of Zurich. This permit was given under the strict condition that the building only be used for postal This seemingly insignificant clause nearly led to its early demise. The Postal office in Wipkingen was closed down in 201,7 perhaps in part because the modern fleet of postal vans are too wide for the building’s gate. In the summer of 2023, the building was squatted by an infamous and experienced Collective of squatters. Since then, its doors are, again, regularly open to the public for all kinds of events. This squat is a special case in so far, that THERE DOES NOT EXIST A FINANCIALLY VIABLE AND AT THE SAME TIME LEGAL USE FOR THE BUILDING. Due to a guideline of the Police of the city of Zurich evictions can only be issued once a legal use is planned to take place immediately after the eviction. Thus, the squat cannot be evicted.
The Post Wipkingen Is an interesting building in a multitude of ways. When it was built it was part of a promising new era of urbanism. While we have long moved passed the urbanistic doctrine of the 70s the building might be an even more interesting case today. Now that it is a relic of an era.
With the general changes of the 21st century comes a great impact on the Swiss post and its ideal structure. The demand for Physical full scale post offices has depleted and has been replaced by a tight network of automated 24h access stations and single person counters.
This led to the forementioned vacancy and eventually to the squat of today.
After researching different future scenarios for the building, we concluded that. THE BUILDING IS USED WELL TODAY and offers great spaces for gatherings and a multitude of public events. Such as political panels, movie screenings and Parties.
But THINGST COULD BE BETTER. Built in the 70s the building relies on active heating for all thermal comfort and completely lacks both thermal insulation and soundproofing.
Given that the building offers great spaces, and already has had many visitors, neither the Spatial architecture of the building nor the program are in need of an active intervention. But its infrastructure is.
To improve the post Wipkingen we recommend to simply install soundproofing, thermal insulation and to repair the elevators.
