The architect Hermann Herter was City Architect of Zurich from 1919 to 1942. In addition to the Wollishofen Swimming Park, Herter also designed important buildings such as the now historic tram stop building at Bellevue and Hallenbad City (indoor swimming pool). The public lake shore swimming park is an important late work of the architect, and it was listed for preservation as a historic monument in 2000.
The park went through many changes, and when the city’s public works office decided in 2007 to renovate it, many elements were no longer in their original state. In agreement with the office for preservation of historic monuments, it was decided to take corrective action and to aim for restoration in the style of the original state.
For example, asphalt-paved areas that had been added later were replaced with polygonal pavers of gneiss natural stone typical of the period. In addition, for better usability, the kiosk forecourt was enlarged. Two historic drinking fountains were reconstructed, and some trees were newly planted. These measures make it possible to experience an important witness to the New Building movement (Neues Bauen) in its original state.
Client
City of Zurich, Amt für Hochbauten [public works office]
Project dates
Project planning 2012
Execution 2013-2014
Surface area
3’350 m2
Architecture
Hermann Herter 1939
Niedermann Sigg Schwendener Architects AG (restoration 2013–2014)