Tetraedern (the tetrahedron)
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
At Lake Trummen, Liljewall have on behalf of Växjö municipality, together with the artist Gunilla Bandolin, created Tetraedern (the tetrahedron). It´s a work of art, an outdoor gym, a place to gather and a new landmark in the Swedish City Växjö. With a construction of silicon-impregnated wood, the tetrahedron invites passers-by to exersice the body by climbing, jumping and lifting. Or to just enjoy the view.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
At Lake Trummen, Liljewall have on behalf of Växjö municipality, together with the artist Gunilla Bandolin, created Tetraedern. It´s a work of art, an outdoor gym, a place to gather and a new landmark in the Swedish City Växjö. With a construction of silicon-impregnated wood, the tetrahedron invites passers-by to exersice the body by climbing, jumping and lifting. Or to just enjoy the view.
As in several of her previous works, Gunilla Bandolin added geometric shapes at an early stage of the process. An idea that was elaborated into a distinct and functional work of art - completely unique in its kind.
The sides of Tetraedern have different functions and design. At the front there are ledges that function both as seats with a view of the lake and requisites for different types of exersice. Another side is designed as a leaning plane where you can exersice arms and legs by pulling yourself up with the help of deployed ropes. One of the sides has been given slightly higher stairs than normal, intended to be used for tiring sprints towards the top. In one of the corners there is also a staircase, but with normal height of the stairs for those who want to walk or rush up to the top of the artwork. Tetraedern's platform functions as a training and stretch surface and various training equipment is located there.
Key objectives for sustainability
With a construction of silicon-impregnated wood, Tetraedern invites passers-by to climb, jump and lift, and thus contribute to an increased well-being for the city's residents or visitors. Wood has been an important part of the concept, where the inspiration comes from wooden bridges, wooden stairs in front of cottages and finely carved wooden furniture. It is one natural, comfortable and light material that was well suited for this project then the ground where Tetraedern was to be placed did not have the best conditions to pile in. But also because it is a beautiful material that lasts over time.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
As in several of her previous works, Gunilla Bandolin highlighted geometric forms at an early stage. An idea that was elaborated into a distinct and functional work of art - completely unique in its kind. The big the sculpture, the bottom of which consists of an equilateral triangle where the side is 20 meters long, is placed on a wooden platform that is at the same level in terms of height as the adjacent pedestrian and bicycle path, about 20 cm above the surrounding ground. This gives the impression that the artwork is floating on the grass-covered ground. The ground around the tetrahedron was reinforced by planting alder, which forms a curtain against onenearby road. Closest around the platform, the grass can grow freely and frame the artwork in a nice way. We wanted to make a landmark, which could be seen from across the lake and compete with other major object (a heating plant above the tree line) that is visible when you stand on the other side of the lake and look towards the beach. A strict tetrahedron also symbolizes eternal values as it points to the sky.
Key objectives for inclusion
A wooden bridge connects the pedestrian and bicycle path with the platform, which makes the lower part of Tetraedern accessible for wheelchairs and prams. We face comtemporary challenges in terms of increasing sedentary life among children and young people, and art can help decode sites and make it available to more people. In the case of the tetrahedron, it is art and training in combination in a way you have not seen before, which means that you do not have a preconceived opinion about who should use the place, adults or children, girls or boys.
Results in relation to category
Tetraedern is Växjö's new landmark that combines art, exercise, and nature. It is a place to gather, exersice the body by climbing, jumping and lifting. Or to just enjoy the view. The wish from the municipality was that the tetrahedron should contribute to spontaneous activities for passers-by. It explains to some extent the simplicity of the work. But despite another seemingly simple shape, the sides of the tetrahedron have several different functions and designs. We face comtemporary challenges in terms of increasing sedentary life among children and young people, and art can help decode sites and make it available to more people. In the case of the tetrahedron, it is art and training in combination in a way you have not seen before, which means that you do not have a preconceived opinion about who should use it, adults or children, girls or boys.
How Citizens benefit
Tetraedern's platform serves as a training and stretch surface, with deployed exercise equipment. As a complement, there are signs with different training exercises to be inspired by. Here, only imagination and motivation can limit one's training results. Often no more tools are needed, you get far with your own body and weight. Health and art/design are important values in municipalities nowadays. You want the citizen to be surrounded by good art/design and you want to make it easier for the citizen to cultivate their health. As far as we know, these two trends have never been expressed in one and the same facility somewhere in Sweden or in Europe before.
Innovative character
Art and design can help decode sites and make it available to more people. In the case of Tetraedern, it is art and exercise in combination in a way you have not seen before, which means that you do not have a preconceived opinion about who should use the place, adults or children, girls or boys.
