Urban Design
Swiss lockdown especially stressful for women and students
Research
EPFL
Three EPFL studies on the effects of Switzerland’s first COVID-19 lockdown have just been published. The research was based on a survey of Swiss residents carried out during the confinement, and illustrate how the restrictions caused higher stress levels and changed the way people view housing.
Transforming urban brownfields into sustainable neighborhoods
Research
EPFL
Urban brownfields represent a major challenge to sustainable transition that remains difficult to overcome. A new reference work, based on over ten years of research carried out at EPFL, aims to outline the processes involved in transforming urban brownfields into sustainable neighborhoods. 
An architectural exhibition linking light exposure to health
Teaching
EPFL
EPFL and HEAD researchers have set-up an installation to raise awareness around the importance of exposure to natural light for human health and the role of the architecture in urban settings in modulating that light. The exhibition will take part in the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism this fall 2021.
Is a “green populist” movement emerging in Switzerland?
Politics
EPFL
According to two EPFL scientists, Switzerland’s right-wing populist parties have adopted some ideas from green parties in order to attract more voters. In a recent shift in messaging, the populists claim that increased urbanization and growing population density are being fueled in part by immigration, and could wipe out natural areas and expand Switzerland’s carbon footprint. 
Some urban commuters have no choice but to take their car
Research
EPFL
An EPFL study shows that suburban commuters do not necessarily take environmental concerns into account when deciding whether to use their car. Many car commuters – especially those with hectic schedules – feel they have no other choice. That’s especially true when it comes to working mothers.
Better planning can reduce the urban heat island effect
Research
EPFL
In his PhD thesis, EPFL researcher Martí Bosch proposes a method for spatially quantifying the impact of mitigation measures – planting green spaces and using different building materials – on the urban heat island effect.
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