The long-term Photographic Observation Schlieren is a much-recognised unique research project that documents urban development in Switzerland. Over a period of 15 years, a photographic record of building activity and urbanisation processes was conducted to demonstrate how these are altering the character of a typical Swiss suburban community. The chosen example was the town of Schlieren, bordering the city of Zurich to the west, whose population grew from 13,000 to 20,000 residents during the observation period of 2005–20. At 63 locations throughout Schlieren, pictures were taken under identical conditions every two years that show the changes in the spatial interplay of buildings, streets, and green spaces. Simultaneously, series of topical detailed photographs were produced that focus on individual objects and tell of the appropriation, design, and aesthetics of habitats, such as store fronts, building entrances, playgrounds, parking entrances, etc.

This two-volume set brings together the results of this spectacular research. The Archive volume features the entire body of the eight images taken at each of the 63 sites to visualise the deep changes Schlieren has undergone during these 15 years. The Essays volume combines the topical image series with essays that offer in-depth examination of the study’s subject, detailed analyses and interpretations, and interviews by expert authors from various disciplines.