Art or trouble? Students fight against steel flowers on campus

Art or trouble? Students fight against steel flowers on campus

A controversial work of art is causing excitement and frustration on the Weihenstephan campus of Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University. The sculpture group “hello again” created by the Munich artist Christian Wichmann rises into the sky in the form of three seven-meter-high, colorful apparent plants made of aluminum and steel. This installation was chosen as part of the Freising State Building Authority's “Art in Architecture” competition to express the power of plants. University President Dr. Eric Veuillet praises the work of art as an important enrichment for the university, which sees itself as a green institution. But the students have a different opinion and sharply criticize the measure. Weeks of posts on Instagram make their displeasure clear: “A steel and aluminum sheet flower on the sealed surface sounds like satire” or “This is an insult to everyone who is working on an environmentally friendly future,” are some of the comments.

Technical challenges and lack of real plants

Despite the strong criticism, the university makes it clear that real plants cannot be planted at the site due to structural requirements. “That would have been our preferred option too,” explains the HSWT, pointing out that the site is full of important supply lines that make planting impossible. These technical framework conditions were confirmed by Marcus Dörner, spokesman for the Freising State Building Authority. Art in architecture is an integral part of the building culture in Bavaria, even if some students would like more real greenery. The bases of the sculptures are to be covered with greenery in the spring to give the construct more liveliness, and the topic of student participation was also raised as they did not feel sufficiently included in the decision-making process.

The university is known for its courses in horticulture and other green professions, which are attracting more and more students. One student describes Freising as charming and inviting, with a great learning atmosphere where you can quickly make contacts. The campus is not characterized by anonymity and offers space for personal development. Anyone interested in the university offerings can find them on the University website lots of information about student life and the available study programs.