Art in Public Space
commissioned by Kunst im öffentlichen Raum, Stadt Bern
Barefoot Spa
The construction of a new district in the city of Bern is planned for the Viererfeld and Mittelfeld areas.
The city of Bern, represented by KiöR (the Commission for Art in Public Spaces of the City of Bern) and Kultur Stadt Bern, selected the artistic project idea by U5 and ALIAS in an open competition to enrich the public space of the new district.
Barefoot Spa
For the public art competition Viererfeld/Mittelfeld in Bern, we proposed an island on SAFFA Square that would serve as a meeting place, recreational area, and playground. The island is a 1:1 scale model from the Recreation Areas series by U5. These models are created on an ongoing basis and are part of the artistic practice of the artist collective.
For SAFFA Square, we have designed a site-specific recreation area, the Barefoot Spa. In the Viererfeld/Mittelfeld area, we find stones, shrubs from the gardens, and a lamppost from the
soccer field—fragments from which the Barefoot Spa is to be created. Barefoot Spa offers recreational opportunities for young and old alike. A stone path serves as a foot reflexology massage, a paddling pool invites children to play or cool their feet in the summer months. We use the lantern from the existing soccer field to light the island. The shrubs from the gardens grow at the edge of the island and provide a habitat for insects. Access to the island isalso guaranteed for wheelchair users via the modulated floor surface.
The island is located in a retention area that collects rainwater from the surrounding area. Rainwater gutters lead through the neighborhood to SAFFA Square.
The location is chosen based on the natural terrain so that it can act as a retention basin. Rainwater from the roofs can also be directed into the gutters in consultation with the architects. The rainwater gutters are like nerve pathways. When it rains heavily, the island is surrounded by water. Sometimes it also dries up. The paddling pool can be filled during the hot summer months. The drinking water fountain is turned off during the frost season.
