2009

Large Rug for Zurich’s Wasserkirche

Bringing the arch of heaven down to earth

The Wasserkirche in central Zurich has had a turbulent history. Since the tenth century, several churches have been located here. The current building from the year 1486 was forced to serve secular uses as a market hall or library, before it found its current function as a place of prayer for all religions and space for concerts and celebrations of all kinds.

For such events, I created a framework with a large-format carpet, where the outlines and patterns take up the striking arch structure of the church. The carpet and arch form a kind of protective skin for what takes place between them. This is amplified still more by the sound-absorbing effect and the virtually home-like atmosphere despite the size of the room. 

Client: Immobilien Bewirtschaftung der Stadt Zürich and Verband der stadtzürcherischen evangelisch-reformierten Kirchgemeinden
Carpentry: Oswald Schreinerei und Innenausbau AG, Oberglatt
Rugmaker: Lantal Textiles AG, Langenthal
Photo: Frédéric Dedelley, Zürich

Insights