Wagner Vanzella Architects

Together with an advisory board, we have developed a vision and strategy for the spatial development of the town of Lichtensteig in Toggenburg for the next 30 years as part of a broad-based participatory process. Six strategic guiding principles form its basis:

- Lichtensteig is Mini.Stadt in Toggenburg
- The landscape is a tangible part of the townscape
- The old town remains the heart of Lichtensteig
- The streets are the life vein
- The neighborhoods are attractive and strong in character

The 'Vision and Strategy 2050' is a guideline and tool for the spatial development and future planning of Lichtensteig. As part of the communal development plan, it forms the foundation for the revision of the building code and the zoning regulations. The municipal council will base future decisions on this strategy and thus determine how the municipality of Lichtensteig will develop in the coming years.

Lichtensteig is situated on a series of hills, which are characterized by several plateaus and bays. These are well exposed to the sun and offer a beautiful view. The topography shapes the structure of the town. Meadows and forests surround the settlement, which is characterized by a number of hilltops. The transitions between landscape and settlement areas are often fluid. This fragmentation of the settlement area provides for many spatially, visually and ecologically valuable qualities. They should be preserved and made even more perceptible and tangible in the future. The surrounding landscape will be a central component of urban development in the future. As a local recreation and leisure environment, it is to become an attractive part of everyday life and thus contribute to a high quality of life in Lichtensteig. The open space will be upgraded in its function and design by improving accessibility and through multiple uses.

The six strategic guiding principles interact to achieve the spatial vision 2050. The 'Mini.Stadt Lichtensteig' is part of a charming landscape. It has five distinct neighborhoods with attractive public spaces, which are densified along the main street to form a dense and mixed-use built-up structure. On the uphill and downhill sides, the residential areas are leafy, attractively greened and have a low density of buildings.

The main street is an integral part of the townscape and an important connecting element of Lichtensteig. All neighborhoods are connected by it. For a long time, it was the main transit axis in Toggenburg and, with increasing traffic, was considered unattractive for residential use. Since the construction of the bypass road in 1983, the traffic situation has fundamentally changed. Despite the greatly reduced transit traffic, however, the spatial quality along the main road has not fundamentally improved. This is to change.