Nature within the Urban-space: Zurich
Zurich is known as a city with many nature-focused attributes. Whether it is through parks, trees, the mixture of nature and industrial structures, or simply because of what is naturally a part of the city (i.e., the lake, the Limmat), Zurich has many natural aspects. The cultural importance of nature and subsequently a respect and appreciation for nature is shown all throughout Switzerland — even in urban spaces.
This photo ethnographic project, entitled “Nature within the Urbanspace”, uses the method of visual ethnography in an attempt to understand the cultural and societal importance of the natural, as shown through its incorporation in urbanspaces, where nature is lacking unless intentionally incorporated. As social anthropologist Sarah Pink defines it in her book Doing Visual Ethnography, visual ethnography is “…an approach to experiencing, interpreting and representing experience, culture, society and material and sensory environments that informs and is informed by sets of different disciplinary agendas and theoretical principles.” Instead of using photo ethnography to look at different events, activities, or human observation, I use photo ethnography to try to interpret societal and cultural values — in this case, looking at these individual aspects of nature within the urbanspace in combination with one another to see the overarching value of appreciation and prioritization for nature in the city of Zurich.
Since moving to Zurich in mid-August, and being a lover of nature in general, I have been aware of different places where nature within the urbanspace is most evident. I suppose you could say, because I naturally notice different aspects of nature — especially coming from the United States where cities significantly lack these natural aspects, these different aspects stuck out to me more. I find that these different pieces of nature provide people a bit of respite during their day, whether that is going to a nearby park to enjoy lunch or a coffee, being able to see the colors of the leaves change during fall while walking to work, or just spending some time off by the lake.
This photo ethnography showed what I already believed to be true, that the different natural aspects within the urban landscape show how the Swiss prioritize and appreciate nature, even in their everyday lives. These small pieces of nature provide respite in their days, and add a piece of relaxation and peace (as long as they are not taken for granted).
Limmatplatz : Featured on both sides of the Limmatplatz public transportation stop are holes within the concrete structure left to allow space for trees to grow through them. Here, there is literally space left for nature — the urban structure is built around the trees, highlighting naturally beauty amongst the backdrop of buildings, concrete, and traffic.
MFO-Park : A park found not far from Bahnhof Oerlikon, MFO-Park features a metal structure 100 meters in length, 35 meters in width, and 17 meters in height, covered by climbing plants and vines. At times used for sports games, meetings, or concerts, MFO-Park serves its purpose within the community as a common space, but is also used in the everyday allowing many people to take a break from work, school, or everyday life to enjoy the beauty of nature. Many people are seen here during their lunch breaks, meeting friends/coworkers for coffee, or just passing through. In a business focused area of the city, MFO-Park provides a natural break for many workers, and greatly signifies the incorporation of nature in an otherwise urbanspace.
Sihl by Zürich Hauptbahnhof : The very end of the Sihl River, before it flows into the Limmat, goes right underneath Zürich Hauptbahnhof. The image taken shows the contrast between a very natural element, being the river, and a very urban element, the main station of Zurich. Not pictured is how the river, and also the Lake of Zurich, greatly contribute to the natural elements of the city, flowing throughout the otherwise urban space, providing a sense of natural escape within the city. Many people are seen taking moments out of their day to sit by the lake, or walk along the river.
Bahnhofstrasse : Just as many streets throughout Zurich are, Bahnhofstrasse is filled with trees. As one of the busiest streets in the whole of the city, Bahnhofstrasse attracts many people because of its centrality and its high end shops. As pictured, the street is lined with trees, bringing a great sense of nature to an urban space within the city. The trees, especially seen in the image because of their fall coloring, provide a contrast amongst the architecture of the buildings. They help to brighten up the street; trees along city streets are a major example of nature within the urbanspace of Zurich.
View from Schönberggasse 11 : After German class one afternoon this was the view from the window of one of the University of Zurich’s buildings. Through this picture it is evident that nature is abundant and greatly appreciated. Unless you look closely, you do not even really see much urban space, yet this picture was taken of a park surrounded by buildings on the central campus of the university. It is clear that even amongst students, and the busyness of student life, Zurich (and the university) seek to provide spaces for students, and anyone going back, to appreciate nature. Not pictured are the students who often sit out on this grass, especially when the weather is nice, reading, socializing, napping, etc.
Klingen Park : An example of one of the many parks throughout Zurich, Klingen Park, as seen in the image, is filled with trees, benches, and has a water feature in the center surrounded by statues of men sitting around it. It is not uncommon for there to be small parks even on busy city streets (this one off of Limmatstrasse). This parks provides a space for people to take their lunch break, meet with friends, or just generally sit in and enjoy the nature.
Whether simply trees along a busy street, or an entire park to walk through amongst the skyscrapers, greenspace is proven to be important in our lives — it benefits our mental health, our immune systems, and can encourage exercise. I will never forget the busy spots all around Lake Zurich during “rush hour”, where people would sit out and have a glass of wine with friends or a little picnic with their family. It’s a habit I began to develop, calling my boyfriend after a long day of work to meet me down by the lake to put our feet in the water. It reminded me that life isn’t meant just for busyness and success and work — life is meant to be enjoyed. Next time you see a beautiful park or a little pond, or even just a tree as it is changing during the seasons — stop, take a deep breath and enjoy its beauty. Remember, you rushing to the next thing on your schedule isn’t all that life is. Make space for nature.