Mountain Hubs

^{Graphic: Valentin Rüegg 2023}

Goal

In the Swiss mountain areas, so-called "mountain hubs" are developing. Hubs bundle the basic functions of a community, such as living and working, in one place. Such projects respond to current developments in work practices (teleworking). On the other hand, the projects are intended to provide solutions to challenges facing mountain communities, such as out-migration.

It is unclear whether "mountain hubs", can evolve into new central places. The development of new centers could encourage people with telecommuting possibilities to move their permanent residence to the mountain area. To understand this new phenomenon, we are conducting a longitudinal study that examines socioeconomic effects at the level of the hub as a project, the community, and the individual. In addition, the study aims to investigate changes in urban-rural relationships and related questions of centrality.

Support

The project is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (contribution number: 219854). It has a funding period of 4 years (November 2023 – October 2027).