Since 2005, the publication Switzerland: An Urban Portrait by ETH Studio Basel has provoked controversial reactions and far-reaching discussions about Switzerland's self-image. The Foundation Think Tank Thurgau defines its mission as to reflect on future issues in the Canton of Thurgau. The think tank invited ETH Studio Basel to refine its Swiss portrait by developing urban perspectives for Thurgau. For Studio Basel, this was an opportunity to test existing potentials and propositions through concrete projects. The study focused on the so-called quiet zones—territories for which only fuzzy contours of future development were shown in the Swiss portrait—but which play a central role for Thurgau and its identity.