In Memory of Willy A. Schmid
Willy A. Schmid was Professor of Landscape and Environmental Planning at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development (IRL), now the Chair of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) at ETH Zurich, from 1978 to 2008. Here he left his mark and played a pivotal role in shaping generations of spatial and landscape planners in Switzerland and internationally.
Above all, he initiated a paradigm shift in the planning of spatial development from a unilaterally oriented cultural technique to a holistic view of space, embracing a landscape approach. In doing so, he repeatedly addressed the question of how to ensure the provision of the landscape’s ecological services without jeopardising the economic benefits of space. He advocated for holistic, systemic approaches, moving away from standards, regulations, and rules.
He was also a pioneer in digitalisation. He started with the visualization of landscapes in 3D to better incorporate aesthetics and the cultural landscape into the balancing of interests. This work was fundamental to the establishment of today's high-tech Large-scale Virtualisation and Modelling Lab (LVML) at ETH Zurich.
His pioneering work was not only relevant to Switzerland. His influence reached far beyond Switzerland. Notably with his spin-off LEP, he brought IRL to China. He was ahead of his time and was able to develop projects that clients had not even thought of.
For some of us at PLUS, he was the doctoral supervisor, and we have fond memories of our time with him. Always attentive, his conversations, infused with a fine sense of humour, provided valuable advice and motivation. He encouraged us to explore, offering gentle guidance and facilitation. The excursions with him were also unforgettable. He even organised an academic exchange with the University of Bangkok, providing us with firsthand insight into the spatial development and culture of the megacity. We have learnt a lot from him, and when the PLUS staff receive a personal Christmas present today, it will be the continuation of a wonderful story from Willy.
Willy Schmid has left his mark on us and on our thoughts and actions, and so we are living a culture at the Chair that follows in his footsteps. He will live on in our memories.