LOGI 2010 - LOGI - Scientific Journal on Transport and Logistics

11 th International <strong>Scientific</strong> Conference
<strong>LOGI</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
URBAN PLANNING AND TRANSPORT IN SWITZERLAND
INTRODUCTION
Switzerland is 41,284 square km and forms the geographical boundary between
northern and southern Europe. Switzerland is typical predominantly a mountainous
environment, which is mostly made up of the Jura mountains and the densely populated
Alpine deck, which in the southern part of Switzerland forms a natural boundary.
Switzerland's population belongs to middle-sized countries of Europe, the total
number is 7,318 700. The geographic limitations effects the urban development and the
particular nature of the transport network and transport in general.
URBANISM
In terms of urbanization Switzerland is a dense network of towns of varied sizes. It
would be hard here looking for a city of world dimensions. A recent survey showed that the
five most prominent urban centers such as Basel, Geneva, Bern, Zurich and Lausanne,
contains only 15% of the total population. One of the main reasons the low population in
these centers is the strict regulations for the protection and conservation of architectural
heritage and enviroment. Low population of cities make a significant impact on the transport
network in Switzerland.
Towns are linked by extensive road and rail infrastructure. Thanks to its geographical
location, Switzerland is playing an important role in international rail, road and air transport.
Picture 1 – Rail and road infrastructure
Source: http://www.k-report.net/clanky/putovani-po-svycarsku/
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