Making Himmeli at the Vitra Campus

The Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein transformed their dome into a himmeli making playground on the 30th of November and the 7th of December 2014. The Workshops, supported by SMP, taught the art of this Scandinavian harvest tradition that brought people together in the design and making of intricate geometric decorations to hang in the home. Fitting to the festive season and the upcoming new year, the himmeli traditionally acted as a token or charm to ensure prosperity and an abundant harvest.

Our SMP team member Georgi went over to Weil am Rhein to assist and join in the himmeli making. Upon arrival at the Vitra Campus the first thing you notice is the remarkable ensemble of contemporary architecture by renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, Tadao Ando, and Zaha Hadid. The workshops were held in the Dome, the lines of its structure creating a backdrop as intricate as the himmeli themselves. At midday the first visitors were anxious to get going and the himmeli making got started.

Within no time the workshop was in full swing and all visitors were stringing and knotting away. For the next few hours people got busy creating their intricate himmeli shapes and structures. The inspiring architectural surrounding proved fruitful as many participants got into the constructive possibilities of the simple himmeli shape.

Once a himmeli was made, it was up to the visitor whether to bring it home or add it to the large communal installation in the Dome. The workshop continued through the afternoon during which time a lot of fabulous himmeli were made, added or taken home. It was a fantastic afternoon and a great way to spread some good fortune for the new year.

photography: © Vitra, Photo: Efthimios Caragiannis.