Tree of rain

When it rains, we take refuge under the cover of trees. When the sun shines, we seek shade. But what about when it rains from a tree, especially on a hot summer day?

Unexpected situations surprise us. Will we be delighted, shocked or annoyed by this unexpected perception? A fountain is created by combining the natural and the human, a poetic object. The Flon river was buried alive to allow the construction of the new urban districts of Lausanne. In order for a man to realize his idea of technocratic urbanism, the river had to become more discreet.

But it has not disappeared completely. Its heart still beats in the underground pipes, an invisible presence in the contemporary city. The water from the Flon River will be used to feed an irrigation system in the crown of a selected tree. The water will be distributed along the branches to the crown and will fall from the tree in different forms. Mists, drops or streams of water will appear at more or less regular intervals. Suddenly and unexpectedly, but also at specific times of the day, like clockwork.

The aim is to draw attention to the presence of water that can be released, made visible and capable of improving the comfort of the public space. Like a river that brings freshness, trees have a similar impact on their environment. Through the symbol of the silent ‘le Flon’ raining tree, we demonstrate that like trees, rivers also have their importance in the city.