Switzerland

      The Sechseläutenplatz (Sechseläuten Square) is part of the overall project 'Opera House, Opera Parking and Sechseläuten Square' whose aim it is to enhance the public space between the Bellevue and the Opera House. The basis for the transformation of the former Sechseläuten Ground to the Sechseläuten Square was the political decision to replace the parking space in front of the Opera House by an underground parking.
      The project answers questions related to reintroducing nature into artificial landscape and dealing with landscape in rural-urban fringes. It reactivates the old river channel for visitors, masterfully combining new modest elements and simple structures into a powerful experience. The most poetic element is the grid of sand – a platform for the river – a natural force that expresses itself through decomposition. Designed as a ruin, the project is the process; full of play between the grid and the river, man and nature. Renaturalisation is not brought in by force; it occurs. One can imagine the river entering the grid for the first time, like an animal released from captivity, figuring out which way to go and where to settle. The power of this work lies in its honesty, taking us to a much deeper thinking about the relation between man and nature in the age of the Anthropocene.
      Parks are often referred to as 'lungs of the city' since they improve micro climatic conditions. We can probably say the same for squares and the experience of a city. This is the case for Plainpalais square in Geneva. It's a multifunctional open space that hosts various activities from fairs, flee market to festivals. It means a vibrant and dynamic space of opportunities and change of use. It's especially beautiful when it's empty, offering a kind of catharsis by freeing the beautiful red surface crossed by asphalt paths and surrounded by trees of various heights. The square also offers skate park, seating and a small park like structure. Round benches and open design suggest the multifunctional nature of the square.

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