The temporary art installation is reminiscent of the former second tower of the Fraumünster and proclaims the creative power of women throughout the city. Its dress consists of green fabric ribbons with a total length of 1000 meters, on which the names of 500 women are printed. The tower construction pays tribute to the social, economic and political influence that women have always had in the city and canton of Zurich.
Sophisticated preparation and implementation
The project originated from an idea by architect Debora Burri-Marci, who won the invited competition in January 2022 and accompanied the project together with the client “Verein Katharinen-Turm” until the building application was submitted. Since then, Sandro Camenzind of JJAdM Architektur GmbH has further developed the project, adapting and refining it to the requirements of the special historical site and its feasibility. The Katharinen Tower consists of two areas: an accessible base and a tower area. The base of the tower was checked, planned and implemented by Roland Zeller, WAM Planer und Ingenieure AG together with NUSSLI with regard to the static and structural engineering challenges. NUSSLI project manager David Frei comments: “We first erected the tower in Hüttwilen and tested the fabric tapes. A wonderful project that required a great deal of care and attention to detail.”
Visitor information and sustainable use
In the accessible area, various display boards explain the history and the idea behind the project to visitors. For the tower area, NUSSLI worked with a tried and tested lattice mast structure, which has already proven itself in the past and thus created an economically attractive solution. These are pre-assembled on the ground, fitted with straps and technology and placed on top of each other on site using a mobile crane. The lattice mast elements are standard products from the construction industry that can be reused for other installations after dismantling. The bands that form the dress of the tower are 30 cm high and approx. 25 m long and will also be reused after dismantling. Minimal lighting tailored to the needs of the city will also illuminate the Katharinen Tower like a lantern.
