In front of the main entrance of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Vertical installed a skateable sculpture named “A new Chapter” in June 2021.
The IOC decided on August 4, 2016, to include skateboarding in the program. To give this sport a public presence, skateboarding was presented at the opening of a special exhibition with an event on June 11, for which a dedicated skateable sculpture was developed.
“A new Chapter” was designed by the Berlin-based Swiss artist Rylsee, alias Cyril Vouilloz. Rylsee, who is a skateboarder himself, gained international recognition through his graffiti, graphics, and avant-garde approach.
Rylsee approached Vertical with his idea in March 2020. He wanted to know if we could build a sculpture in the shape of the capital letter “A” with a wave and a vertical wall. The criteria were to build a rideable sculpture without visible bracing, which would be stable enough and “wobble-free”. At the same time, the sculpture had to meet the aesthetic requirements for the Olympic Museum’s sculpture garden as well as the standards for public skate facilities EN 14974.
In early 2022, the Olympic Museum placed the order with Vertical. Subsequently, the design process took place between the artist and our skatepark designer. Nicolas Schneider defined the design, including all details, with Rylsee, perfecting the virtual object.
Subsequently, the 3D file was converted into production data in our technical department. Cutting and bending programs were created for our
The entire structure was hot-dip galvanized and pre-assembled in the assembly hall. As with our classic skate facilities, pressure-treated wooden slats were screwed onto the structure for shaping, and a riding surface made of Skateface panels was installed.
After pre-assembly, the art object was disassembled into its individual parts and prepared for transport. From June 8 to 10, 2022, the sculpture was erected as planned in front of the entrance of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Our employees gave their all to perfectly assemble “A new Chapter” so that the skaters could inaugurate the sculpture on Saturday, June 11, 2022. This task was not easy, as it was pouring rain at times and the assembly took place while the museum was open.
Opening of the Special Exhibition and Inauguration “”A new Chapter
On June 11, 2022, the inauguration of the sculpture took place under bright sunshine. Micky Iglesias from the association “La Fièvre” from Lausanne organized a show with some of the best Swiss skaters. The speaker Martin Chassigneux commented on the tricks and made jokes to create atmosphere. Among others, Greg Ruhoff, Chany Changuenin, Noam Lichtenstein, Cedric Osterhoff, and Jan Hirt were present. The two Olympic participants Vincent Milou and Aurelien Giraud were also there. The skaters had a great time showcasing their skills on the sculpture. Passers-by stopped captivated to watch the spectacle.
Thank you
A big praise goes to the entire Vertical Technik team in the design office, in the workshop, and on assembly, who worked with great dedication to ensure the success of this very special project.
We thank Cyrill aka Rylsee for the trust he placed in our company, allowing us to realize his idea. At the same time, a big thank you also goes to the Olympic Museum, which commissioned us for the development and production of this object.
The sculpture can be viewed and ridden in the Olympic Museum’s park until April 2023. With a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva, the object is in good company with 43 other sculptures by renowned artists such as Niki de Saint-Phalle, Botero, Tapies, and Calder.
Note: The sculpture is not freely rideable at all times. The museum should be contacted beforehand.
https://www.instagram.com/rylsee
Musée Olympique, Quai d’Ouchy 1
1006 Lausanne
