Competition: Ersatzneubau Wohnsiedlung Probstei Ost + West
Status: Competition entry, open one-phase realization competition 
Location: Zürich, Schwamendingen, Switzerland 
Site: Probstei Ost + West
Typology: 135 residential units, community space, studios, and a two-group kindergarten
Area: 1 ha
Year: 2022
Organizer: Stadt Zürich, Amt für Hochbauten 
Authors: Huong Vu, Dung Nguyen, 
Team: Giang Vu, Dang Nguyen, Duong Le 
Credit: © vn-a 

The new building ensemble flows across the two distinctive sites, following the movement patterns of Dübendorfstrasse on one side and Probsteistrasse on the other. It establishes a new, self-contained urban quarter through a clear and coherent urban design strategy. At its heart, a strong communal centre emerges, creating a vibrant meeting place for residents.
The design transforms the former Probstei Ost + West housing estate into an attractive, livable and well-connected urban neighbourhood rooted in the Probstei, with high-quality open spaces. Clearly defined building plots create dynamic urban spaces through their spatial relationships while providing a robust framework for future development.
The defined edges along Dübendorfstrasse provide protection for the residential courtyards and create the conditions for a high degree of individual freedom in the architectural design. With only a few typological guidelines, the concept establishes the basic structure for a new urban quarter that is spatially integrated and flexible enough to accommodate future concepts.