It is the look back that enables us to recognize which instruments have proved their worth in planning in urban agglomerations and to identify where the challenges lie today. Ariane Widner Pham draws on her experience as senior planner in the conurbations of Lausanne and Geneva in French-speaking Switzerland. Collaboration between municipalities in the agglomeration is what first creates a shared culture and generates the energy needed to address urgent matters. Lausanne West is regarded as model for successful inter-municipal planning. The train station forecourt in Renens with the Rayon Vert and the centre developed in Malley show how focal points for growth help to strengthen the identities of places. Participatory processes enable people’s needs to be better integrated in planning: outdoor spaces where it is pleasant to spend time and enjoy leisure activities are today just as important as encouraging non-motorised traffic.