Anatomy of Change: Architecture and Time in Ticino

The combined, interconnected forces of climate, demographic, and economic change are resulting in profound and unpredictable changes in architecture, landscape, and urban space. Within Switzerland, Ticino is particularly affected by these developments. The canton in the South of Switzerland has a unique microclimate, a widespread infrastructure network, accessto construction and energy resources, diverse migration flows, and a rich cultural heritage. Over the course of three semesters, students at ETH Zurich developed projects with different time horizons – from temporary, circular to permanent – that address central aspects ofthe Ticino territory: climate change, an aging demographic, and resource use. This publication illustrates not only the specific projects but also their underlying design ideas and highlights how the narrative is key to communicating new strategies.