Wir überwinden Grenzen

Free swimmer, 2010

by Gregor Passens

Steel; 8 m (diameter)

University Medical Center Freiburg
Hugstetter Straße 55
University Emergency Center
West-Magistrale connecting walkway

Free swimmer - oversized lifebuoy

The Kunst am Bau contribution "Freischwimmer - überdimensionierter Rettungsring" shows an oversized lifebuoy that encircles the west connecting walkway and connects the new building to its main thoroughfare with a lifeline.

The sculptural work connects the old building with the new one and merges with its architecture. With its notsignale "Red Cross", the lifeline is directly connected to the hospital symbol. This is mounted at an angle of 18 + 8 degrees and the slightly skewed central axis of the painted "Red Cross" is thus dynamic.

The sculptural work is visible from every point on the main road, from the footbridges and from the inner courtyard between the old and new buildings. Furthermore, the sculpture can be experienced directly by walking through it. This changes not only its form, but also the way it is viewed.

The size of the lifebuoy alone, which measures eight meters in diameter, makes it visible from afar and can become a landmark on the large hospital grounds.

With its direct connection to the emergency room and the helicopter landing pad on the roof, the lifebuoy shows that the hospital is always ready for a rescue.

The title "Freischwimmer - oversized lifebuoy" is derived from the swimming badge and is also intended to symbolize the safety precautions of the rescue service.