Bernhard Meier, an artist living in Würenlos, explores metaphysics and the foundations of our world and civilization in his work. By reducing the form of his art to the essential – in this case, a simple but highly symbolic circle – he invites viewers to reflect on the deeper meaning of time, space, and existence.
The golden circle below the church clock can be interpreted as a symbol of infinity and the cyclical nature of time. By complementing – or even questioning – the traditional timekeeping function of the clock, the artwork encourages contemplation of time and eternity.
A key challenge was to attach the ring to the listed building without damaging the historic façade through drilling or mechanical fastenings – despite the considerable wind load and the object's size.
Our design engineers developed a special solution: the aluminum ring appears to float weightlessly, held in place by a delicate structure made of high-strength sailing nylon cords. These are anchored inside the church tower, routed through the windows, and tensioned precisely. Four ropes carry the weight, while six others provide stability in all directions. Additional padded spacer supports ensure the exact distance to the façade.
What appears minimalist is in fact based on precise engineering and sensitive handling of the existing architecture. We are proud to have brought together art, architecture, and engineering in harmony through this project.
Timeless Time is a part of ART FLOW – a growing art initiative that will realize approximately 30 site-specific works in the Limmat Valley between 2023 and 2025. The aim is to use art to foster a deeper awareness of the region and to strengthen the Limmat Valley’s identity.
