Gardens

Overview

The Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, though often associated with nearby Basel, Switzerland, is a renowned destination where groundbreaking architecture meets innovative landscape design. While celebrated for its iconic buildings by world-famous architects, the 'Gardens' on campus are equally compelling, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design. These meticulously crafted green spaces are not mere backdrops but integral parts of the Vitra experience, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and discover a different dimension of design. The campus features several distinct garden areas, each contributing to a rich, ever-evolving outdoor environment, including the celebrated Oudolf Garden, the contemplative surroundings of Tadao Ando's Conference Pavilion, the structured Álvaro Siza Promenade, and the recently inaugurated Water Garden by Bas Smets.

History & Cultural Background

The evolution of landscape design at the Vitra Campus marks a significant shift in its development. For many decades, the primary focus was on erecting avant-garde architectural masterpieces. However, starting in the late 1980s and especially in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on integrating nature and creating outdoor spaces that complement and enrich the architectural ensemble. This initiative was spurred by a desire to connect the northern and southern parts of the campus, leading to commissions for landscape interventions. Landscape architects like Piet Oudolf, Álvaro Siza, Tadao Ando, and Bas Smets have each contributed their distinct philosophies, transforming the campus into a 'living organism' that adapts to changing climatic conditions and promotes biodiversity. This commitment reflects a broader cultural trend towards sustainability and a deeper appreciation for the role of nature in designed environments, moving beyond purely decorative elements to create spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful.

What Makes It Special

Each garden area on the Vitra Campus possesses a unique character that sets it apart. The Oudolf Garden, planted by Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, is a masterpiece of naturalistic planting. It comprises some 30,000 perennials, grasses, shrubs, and meadow flowers, designed to create a 'balanced composition' that offers a sensual experience throughout the year, celebrating both flourishing life and the beauty of decay. Its seemingly wild appearance is the result of meticulous planning, a signature of Oudolf's approach. The Álvaro Siza Promenade, a 500-meter-long walkway, features hornbeam hedges that guide visitors through a series of 'stations' and 'episodes,' framing views of the campus architecture and nature. This promenade is designed to highlight the changing seasons and incorporates green spaces and seating areas, creating a deliberate interplay between geometry and landscape. Around Tadao Ando's Conference Pavilion, a grove of cherry trees and a meditative footpath evoke the serene aesthetics of Japanese Zen gardens, reflecting Ando's minimalist philosophy and his reverence for nature and light. The newest addition, the Water Garden by Bas Smets, aims to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity with a large, rain-fed pond, aquatic vegetation, and large-scale sculptures by Hella Jongerius, creating new spaces for lingering and strolling.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The gardens are rich with stories and thoughtful details. Piet Oudolf conceptualizes his plant combinations as a 'community,' mirroring Vitra's own 'furniture design community' and providing a fresh perspective on the surrounding architecture. He chose the location in front of VitraHaus to offer beautiful scenery for visitors entering and exiting the building, and the garden incorporates existing sculptures by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Álvaro Siza deliberately chose hornbeam hedges for his promenade to visually represent the changing seasons, creating a dynamic visual experience that evolves throughout the year. Tadao Ando, known for his deep connection to nature, made an effort to preserve as many cherry trees as possible when designing his Conference Pavilion, demonstrating a profound respect for the existing landscape. The footpath leading to his pavilion is reminiscent of meditation paths in Japanese monasteries, inviting quiet contemplation. The new Water Garden by Bas Smets incorporates three ceramic sculptures from Hella Jongerius' 'Angry Animals' series as a fountain, subtly raising awareness about endangered wildlife within this designed ecosystem.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Gardens at Vitra Campus is an immersive experience. Pathways, both winding and linear, encourage exploration and provide ever-changing perspectives on the iconic architecture. The Oudolf Garden, with its 4,000 square meters of perennial plantings, invites visitors to 'lose themselves' in its meticulously planned 'wilderness,' offering a feast for the senses with its shifting colors and textures across seasons. The Álvaro Siza Promenade offers a contemplative stroll, connecting different architectural landmarks while allowing moments of quiet reflection amidst the sculpted hedges. The serene cherry grove around the Tadao Ando Conference Pavilion provides a sense of peace and tranquility. With the recent addition of the Water Garden, visitors can now experience a new layer of ecological design, observe increased biodiversity, and enjoy additional spaces for relaxation. Guided tours of the Oudolf Garden are available, offering deeper insights into its design philosophy and the plant 'community' it hosts. The gardens are freely accessible to the public and open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, allowing ample time to explore these living exhibitions of landscape art.