THE LOCATION: PULS 5 / ZURICH-WEST

FROM AN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO A TRENDY QUARTER

The district that once witnessed the industrial revolution is today a focal point for gastronomy, art, design, dance, culture, shopping and architecture. The factories have long since moved away, leaving behind them extensive industrial sites that still bear their names and vast expanses of space that creative minds have put to good use. Zurich West evokes a metropolitan feeling, linking worlds that could scarcely be more different. It is founded on the old, which in turn bears and shapes the new. It has retained the earthiness of its industrial background and merges it with the elegance of the modern-day leisure society. Zurich West is a rapidly redeveloping area located in Zurich's former industrial quarter west of the Main Central Railway Station along the Limmat River.

The Heritage of the Industrial District

The Puls 5 is located in the heart of the trend district Zurich-West. Trendy ambience between old and new. In the midst of this trendy area in Zurich is the “Giessereihalle”, the centre of this vivid and hip quarter. We are situation in close proximity to the “Escher Wyss Platz”. When spoken of Zurich, the Zurich-West and Puls 5 with its “Giessereihalle” are addressed. It stands for the urban lifestyle that gives Zurich its international big city life feeling. Here decisions of what‘s hip and what’s hop are created, the most popular restaurants, bars and clubs are all also found in this area. Even the cultural aspect of Zurich is brought the gates of the Puls 5, with top notch galleries, museums, exhibitions and theatres situated in the area.
The historical “Giessereihalle” with its adjacent square the “Turbinenplatz”, stands for the heart of Zurich-West. The hall has only undergone soft renovations maintaining its historical vibe and atmosphere.

Architecture & culture: Antitheses Create a New Identity

The opening in 2000 of the Schiffbau as the cultural and experimental center of the Schauspielhaus theater marked the start of the real upswing of the quarter. Clubs of all styles, as well as countless bars and restaurants, opened their doors and transformed Zurich-West into the Mecca of the cultural and party metropolis Zurich, from whose creative laboratories the trends of tomorrow emerge. Whether unconventional or stylish, raucous bars rub shoulders with classy restaurants. The district is characterized by this very complexity and thrives on the antitheses to be found within its boundaries. These exist at three different levels – at ground level, at roof level, and at the level of the bridges and viaducts of the transportation systems that cross over its territory. A particularly impressive sight is that of the oldest secular building in Zurich; the Hardturm on the River Limmat rises abruptly from among the drab modern residences stretching out behind it. Here one talks of open spaces, not of green areas. Take Turbinenplatz for example, a gigantic urban area, a square – not a park –, somber during the day, yet a display of colored lights at night. Modern residential areas fashioned from concrete and glass offer urban dwellers lofts as living quarters. There is no real center as such; sub-centers comprising the most diverse of living worlds shape the neighborhood, in which old and new cleverly interact over and over again in the most bizarre manner. Zurich-West will soon be Zurich’s largest construction site:

Zurich-West and Aussersihl: urban Zurich labels which will impress you

The creative sector in Zurich is booming: In Zurich, creative ideas are routinely put into practice and welcomed with open arms. This is particularly evident in the trendy districts of Zurich-West and Aussersihl, where creative people have taken up residence – among other places, in former factories. Textile and furniture designers, jewelry makers and fashion designers, architects and graphic designers all have their studios or shops here. The closer you get to Langstrasse, the more fabulous and colorful it becomes: the multicultural street is home to people from over 110 different countries.

Zurich Downtown Switzerland

Zurich - a Unique Mixture:
As a "metropolis of experiences" by the water, with a magnificent view of the snow-capped Alps on the horizon, Zurich Downtown Switzerland offers a unique mixture of attractions - over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, shopping paradise with international brands, traditional businesses and urban Zurich labels, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. A total of 380,000 people live in this experience, science and business center.

The city of Zurich lies in the heart of Europe and at the center of Switzerland.
Its multicultural flair and the variety of leisure activities on offer attract guests from all over the world to this “region of short routes”. Zurich is quick and easy to reach, whether by train, plane or private vehicle. Its international airport has direct connections with over 150 destinations. Just a 10-minute train ride from the airport and situated right in the city center, Zurich’s Main Railway Station is regarded as a central European railroad hub.

A leader in the art trade.
In addition to New York and London, Zurich is in the first division of leading art trading cities. Worldwide specialists count Zurich amongst the top 10 gallery cities. Low value added tax, no obligatory payment to the artists’ fund, and no resale rights are Zurich’s advantages.
> Informations about Zurich / Art and Events in Zurich

Culture and economy:
As a multilingual country located in the midst of Europe, Switzerland has always been a cultural melting pot. Influences from the most diverse countries converged here early on - artists, writers and lateral thinkers feel attracted to Zurich. Many diverse lifestyles and cultural expressions characterize the region. Trends are quickly and easily initiated, accepted and developed. The cultural affinity of the population is high. In Zurich, creative ideas are routinely put into practice and welcomed with open arms. The creative sector in Zurich is booming. This is particularly evident in the trendy districts of Zurich-West and Aussersihl, where creative people have taken up residence - among other places, in former factories. New galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs are opening all the time. Textile and furniture designers, jewelry makers and fashion designers, architects and graphic designers all have their studios or shops here.

Top quality of living:
Zurich offers top quality of living. From 2002 to 2008, the city of Zurich was named by Mercer Human Resource Consulting seven times in succession as the city with the highest quality of living in the world. The analysis was based on such criteria as safety, cleanliness, cultural activities, cuisine, and nearby recreation areas. In 2009, Mercer Human Resource Consulting named Zurich as the city with the second highest quality of living in the world. On the one hand, Zurich is considered to be the cultural center of Switzerland. On the other hand however, the numerous research centers, universities and international corporate head offices make the pulse of Switzerland’s science and business communities beat in the Zurich region. Visitors particularly appreciate the astounding cultural and gastronomical diversity, as well as countless possibilities for enjoyment, relaxation and recuperation for all the senses.

Shopping metropolis Zurich:
The shopping paradise in the heart of europe offers a wide range of shopping facilities for everyone. Urban trendsetters and design lovers get their money's worth. Mountainviews, lake promenade, shopping, arts, events and business: Zurich combines it all on a small area making the largest city of Switzerland to one of the most various and exciting cities worldwide. From stylish shopping to gourmet pleasures, and selected art encounters to exclusive overnight accommodation. From luxury to international brands, traditional businesses and urban Zurich labels - shopping in Zurich inspires both lovers of exclusive items and the fashion conscious.
> zuerich.com/shopping

Switzerland tops the overall ranking in The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010. The rankings are calculated from both publicly available data and the Executive Opinion Survey, a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) together with its network of Partner Institutes

Copyright: Zurich Tourism

Zürich Downtown Switzerland

For further tourist information

Zurich Tourism
Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station, CH-8021 Zurich
Phone +41 44 215 40 00, fax +41 44 215 40 44
www.zuerich.com

Hotel reservation
Phone +41 44 215 40 40 / hotel@zuerich.com

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