Media

Night trains are not a priority

Published:29.01.26 — According to Vincent Kaufmann, professor at the Urban Sociology Laboratory, night trains experienced their golden age from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. Their decline can be explained by the democratization of air travel with the rise of low-cost carriers, but also by the lack of interest from railway companies, which prioritized high-speed rail. Added to this was a gradual decline in customer demand. The result: a complex service to operate, costly, relying on aging equipment and difficult to make profitable.

That space we don't talk about (the restroom)

Published:22.01.26 — The toilet, that discreet place which occupies a unique position in the home, is rarely examined beyond the angle of mere functionality. Luca Pattaroni, professor at the Laboratory of Urban Sociology, offers another reading of it.

Noise : a sound "that comes at the wrong time and in the wrong place"

Published:22.01.26 — According to the Federal Office for the Environment's report on noise exposure, one in ten people in Switzerland lives in a place where the noise pollution threshold is exceeded, with serious consequences for health and quality of life. In Marseille, residents of working-class neighborhoods are particularly exposed to intense noise pollution. Contributions from Luca Pattaroni, professor at the Laboratory of Urban Sociology.

Alternative Geneva

Published:28.01.26 — "ARTE" offers a tour of Geneva, off the beaten path. This documentary traces the history of Calvin's city through its alternative culture and neighborhoods. Sociologist Luca Pattaroni talks about the Grottes district, where he lived, between resistance to capitalism and a marked ideological and artistic identity.

Learning to travel differently

Published:28.01.26 — In a chronicle published in Le Courrier, Jules Grandvillemin, a doctoral student at the Laboratory of Urban Sociology, emphasizes that reducing transport emissions requires not only alternatives to cars, but genuine learning and support that enable individuals to adopt more sustainable and satisfying modes of transportation over the long term.

Benches tell stories

Published:08.01.26 — The 2026 almanac of Messager boiteux explores the poetic dimension of public benches through the research of sociologist Renate Albrecher, an associate researcher at the LASUR Laboratory. She has been studying this cultural heritage since 2017 and created "Secrets bancʹaires" (Bank Secrets), an interactive website aimed at mapping public benches in Switzerland.

Alone at the restaurant

Published:05.11.25 — Le Temps explores the rise of ‘self-dating’ and solo outings, a societal trend where chosen solitude becomes a symbol of autonomy and well-being rather than isolation. Luca Pattaroni, professor at the Urban Sociology Laboratory, is interviewed.

The echoes of eco-neighborhoods

Published:05.11.25 — A study by EPFL’s Urban Sociology Laboratory on three of Geneva’s eco-neighborhoods shows that residents are largely satisfied with their quality of life — even if some raise concerns about the aesthetics, social mix, and lack of local shops.

Rethinking mobility

Published:10.10.25 — Sustainable mobility development and changing transportation practices in urban centers have been crucial issues for years and are now more urgent than ever. Climate change acceleration, urban growth, and diversified transportation options have made addressing these topics essential. Vincent Kaufmann, professor at the Laboratory of Urban Sociology, shares his analysis and perspectives on these critical challenges.

Reckless Drivers: How to Improve Public Space Safety?

Published:05.11.25 — Two weeks ago, a driver forced his way through a crowd of protesters in Lausanne, putting demonstrators at risk. This incident renews concerns about public space safety. Pascal Viot, lecturer at the Urban Sociology Laboratory, was interviewed by "Le Matin Dimanche" about this issue.