The norm et the label

This contribution explores the relation of architects and urban planners to the normalization and codification of the sustainable city, built on the case of eco-neighborhoods. The article first examines the production of decision-making tools and of labels that structure the production of eco-neighborhoods. Attention is then directed to the “consumption” [use] of such tools and labels by those who create cities and territories. Our analysis falls within a Swiss context. It marshals survey materials that were collected through semi-directed interviews according to a life-course methodology that was adapted to accounts of urban projects. As a matter of fact, participants were asked to explain how the issue of eco-neighborhoods was imposed upon them, the way they made it their own and finally their use of the notion in their profession. [read]