Geneva Airport

Geneva Airport's strategy is not to increase traffic volumes, but to prioritize the quality of its routes, particularly to Asia and South America, with more modern aircraft and optimized schedules.

However, the airport's expansion comes up against major geographical and urban planning constraints. The canton of Geneva, already one of the most densely populated in Switzerland, has little building land available. This situation exacerbates the housing crisis, with a vacancy rate of just 0.37 %. Urban densification is therefore at the heart of political concerns, but it comes up against conflicts of interest concerning the preservation of agricultural areas and urban planning.

At the same time, technological advances in the transport sector, notably the rise of eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), are opening up new prospects. These aircraft could revolutionize urban mobility by reducing dependence on large airport infrastructures. A vertiport (vertical airport) concept could replace current infrastructures, freeing up as much as 6.6 km² of land for innovative urban projects. This change would make it possible to integrate new living spaces, while reducing the airport's environmental impact.

A Visionary Project: Transforming the Airport into a Vertical Green City
By 2070, a radical transformation scenario envisages the rehabilitation of the airport into a vast green zone, integrating eight multifunctional skyscrapers in the middle of an urban forest. These vertical towers would combine housing, offices, commercial spaces and cultural infrastructures. Each building would be designed according to the principles of ecological sustainability, with vegetated terraces, rainwater harvesting systems and recycled building materials.

This approach aims to reconcile urbanization and nature by creating a "sponge city" capable of sustainably managing rainwater and reducing urban heat islands. Soft mobility would be encouraged by bicycle lanes and underground transport systems connecting the towers.

Challenges and opportunities for a sustainable future
Despite its potential, such a project requires a complete overhaul of urban infrastructures and cross-border coordination between Switzerland and France. The issue of social acceptance is paramount: the population will need to be involved from the earliest stages to ensure buy-in. Transparent communication on the ecological, economic and social benefits will be crucial in overcoming resistance.

Finally, the integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital twins, could transform Geneva into an exemplary "Smart City". These innovations would facilitate infrastructure management, preserve biodiversity and improve quality of life for residents.

An ecological project
The airport's surface area could be offset by the creation of a primary forest, made up of giant redwoods, with a major impact on the creation of biological corridors and green penetrations. This project would help preserve and renew local biotopes, while enriching biodiversity (fauna, flora, insects). It would also help combat urban heat islands and renaturalize existing watercourses. Last but not least, sustainable water management would be implemented by reducing soil sealing and creating wetlands, ponds and ditches.