Problems with the shortage of permanent housing affect not only many cities but also tourist destinations. The city of Zurich is no exception; on the contrary, it is one of the cities with the greatest housing shortage in Switzerland.

Our case study shows the social, technical, and environmental aspects of the solution through a social movement for which the name “reclaim the city” is used. The Kalkbreite case shows the importance of a multidimensional approach, social networks, and the involvement of all relevant actors in the urban planning process for success.