Wasser: Gestaltung für die Zukunft

The Museum for Gestaltung in Zürich (Toni Areal) just opened a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition entitled “Wasser: Gestaltung für die Zukunft”, which I highly recommend to everyone in the EUT program and beyond.  

The exhibition explores five key themes: Water Stories, Bodily Water, Invisible Water, Thirsty Cities and Ecosystems. Originally curated by Jane Withers Studio, London, and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, the Zürich show includes local projects highlighting Swiss innovations.

I attended the opening on 28 November 2024, where Jane Withers herself spoke.  She remarked: “Water is the bellwether of climate change- droughts, floods, glacier melting- and therefore we have to rethink how we use water and also how not to waste it.” 

The exhibition in Zürich, curated by Nora Wüthrich, showcases 70 fascinating works, ranging from historical artifacts and art pieces (including one incorporating tears) to innovative dry toilets, agricultural projects, architectural designs and product prototypes.  The displays are brought to life through installations, posters and explanatory videos.

Highlights from the Exhibition

Sungai Watch (Indonesia)

This inspiring project by an Indonesian NGO focuses on cleaning up rivers in Bali and Java using simple yet effective floating buoys that trap trash as it flows downstream. The collected waste is meticulously sorted and recycled. Remarkably, the team even scans barcodes on items like candy wrappers to identify and hold manufacturers (such as Danone and Unilever) accountable for their contributions to pollution. The initiative also relies on local outreach and volunteering, making it a community-driven effort to combat waterway pollution.

Enghaveparken Climate Park and Climate Tile (Copenhagen)  

This innovative park in Copenhagen addresses extreme weather events through adaptable design. It features underground retention tanks to mitigate flooding and reflecting pools that adjust to rainfall levels. The park “couples technical water solutions with a sensuous dimension while also promoting an understanding of water resources.”   

Another Copenhagen innovation is the climate tile—permeable pavement that allows rainwater to flow through sidewalks. The water is then directed to water plants, recharge groundwater, or be retained for later use, thereby reducing strain on existing sewer systems. These projects are examples of the «sponge city» (Schwammstadt) concept, with additional projects featured from cities worldwide.

Exhibition Details

“Wasser: Gestaltung für die Zukunft” runs until 6 April 2024, with numerous workshops and activities planned. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore visionary approaches to one of our most critical global challenges!

Author: Karen Schrader