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High rise buildings the future

Monday, 21 September 2026 06:35

Geneva's chronic housing shortage is pushing developers to build up — literally, by adding storeys to existing buildings

In 2024, roof-level extensions created 164 new homes in the canton, with a further 41 delivered by converting attic space, according to the cantonal statistics office.

Architects note that Geneva has always grown vertically, hemmed in first by fortifications until 1849 and by tight cantonal boundaries ever since.

The city has nearly tripled its population over three centuries without expanding its urban footprint.

Legal hurdles rooted in the cantonal building law remain the biggest brake on scaling up.

 

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