LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS IS LOCATED IN THE CANTON OF NEUCHÂTEL, SWITZERLAND, AT AN
ALTITUDE OF 1’000 METERS.
History and Dynamism
La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the largest cities in French-speaking Switzerland inhabitants (38,000), is an industrial center, particularly in the watchmaking sector. This is why it is often referred to as a watchmaking metropolis. In 2009 La Chaux-de-Fonds was distinguished by UNESCO, describing its heritage as exceptional
La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle
In the mountains of the Swiss Jura Mountains, on land ill-suited for agriculture, these two neighboring towns illustrate an original type of urban development that reflects the specific needs watchmaking. After three major fires, new urban planning. The layout, an open plan with parallel streets, mixed housing workshops, which corresponded to the needs of the artisans and is still maintained today. The site is a remarkable example of a mono-industrial activity. The city layout is protected as a patrimonial legacy.
The urban planning of the two cities has adapted to the transition from an artisanal production with home-based work, to a manufacturing production. In his book "Der Capital", Karl Marx analyzes the division of labor, and uses the example of the watchmaking industry in the Swiss Jura, thus coining the term "manufacturing town.”
its development has been tremendous.
