The municipality of Hergiswil am See in the Canton of Nidwalden is taking an innovative approach to the total revision of its land-use planning. By using the digital platform LUUCY, the population is not only informed but actively involved in the planning process. The digital 3D model allows for a clear visualization of planning intentions—making complex relationships understandable and tangible.
Background of the Revision
The total revision was triggered by changes in cantonal and federal laws, specifically the revised Planning and Building Act (PBG). Previous planning foundations, such as the zoning plan, building regulations, and footpath plan, no longer met current requirements and had to be revised. New instruments, such as the site occupancy index, building height, and the classification of building boundaries, were also integrated into the revision.
The voters of Hergiswil approved the revised land-use planning at the extraordinary town meeting on June 15, 2023. The Government Council of the Canton of Nidwalden approved the resolution on October 31, 2023, allowing the new planning to come into effect on January 1, 2024.
Transparenz durch digitale Visualisierung
The total revision was triggered by changes in cantonal and federal laws, specifically the revised Planning and Building Act (PBG). Previous planning foundations, such as the zoning plan, building regulations, and footpath plan, no longer met current requirements and had to be revised. New instruments, such as the site occupancy index, building height, and the classification of building boundaries, were also integrated into the revision.
The voters of Hergiswil approved the revised land-use planning at the extraordinary town meeting on June 15, 2023. The Government Council of the Canton of Nidwalden approved the resolution on October 31, 2023, allowing the new planning to come into effect on January 1, 2024.
Early Public Participation
From the very beginning, the municipality of Hergiswil focused on open and dialogue-oriented communication. Even before the public exhibition, the population was invited to get a picture of the project via LUUCY. During the official participation phase between May and July 2022, over twenty responses were received. Thanks to the clear visualizations on the platform, many concerns could be clarified by mutual agreement.
LUUCY was also used intensively during political deliberations and municipal decision-making processes. The visualizations helped both the municipal committees and the interested public to gain a clear understanding of possible development variants—particularly with regard to internal densification options and their impact on the townscape.
A Model for the Future
The use of LUUCY in Hergiswil is a prime example of how digital tools can transform planning practices. By making building and zoning regulations virtually tangible, it not only creates transparency but also strengthens trust. Access to complex planning information is simplified, allowing more people to actively participate in the development of their community.
The experiences from Hergiswil make it clear: early and understandable communication strengthens acceptance—and improves the quality of decisions. With digital tools like LUUCY, participation becomes not just possible, but effective.