Folke Köbberling’s temporary project commemorating the 150-year anniversary of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) will leave its mark on the urban space – even beyond 2022.
In cooperation with the university’s Institute of Structural Engineering, the artist created a walk-in jubilee wagon that she designed as both a work of art and a place of communication. It is made from renewable raw materials such as wood and raw wool, and serves as an insulated island within the city.
Thanks to its organic structure and the sophistication of its technical construction, the piece is a distinctive hallmark of the university. At the same time, it transports the institution’s curriculum and research areas into the urban space: on its journey, the jubilee wagon stops at various stations across the university grounds as well as at other places in Vienna. Inside the wagon, visitors can listen to recordings of experts speaking on such topics as the conservation of habitats and quality of life, the protection of food and health, as well as the management of natural resources and the environment. Because the jubilee wagon is acoustically insulated with raw wool, it is a very fitting place to address issues of sustainability, habitats and biodiversity.
At each stop along its route, the jubilee wagon will also leave a visible sign of lasting change; for instance, an asphalt surface may be unsealed, a raised bed planted, or growbags put up.
The opening of Lasting Signs of Jubilee and Elementarereignisse (Elementary Events) took place on May 23, 2022 at BOKU Campus.
In June 2022, the jubilee wagon was shown in Floridsdorf as part of Public Art Vienna’s The Weather of Tomorrow at the following dates:
June 1-9, 2022: Franz-Jonas-Platz, 1210 Vienna
June 10-19, 2022: Franklinstraße, 1210 Vienna
June 20-23, 2022: Schlingermarkt (Floridsdorf Market), 1210 Vienna
On September 29, 2022, an artistic unsealing performance by Folke Köbberling and volunteers took place at a parking space on BOKU campus as part of BOKU’s Miteinanderfest.