Multidimensionnal Underground
Let me introduce myself: I am the Multidimensional Underground that anchors Bovino into the earth. Within my mineral and earthy entrails, made from excavation materials, elements transform, arrive, depart, circulate, and meet: cow manure is turned into electricity, cheese and meat are refined, vegetables are stored, wastewater is transformed into fertilizer or passes through the worm filter and then the green wall, and cars rest during their stay. Occasionally, my front part changes its scenery, and the parking area becomes an exceptional venue, like the plant market or Christmas market, placing exchanges and human interactions at the heart of my space. My earth-concrete wall is adorned with a collective artwork created by artists from the "Vallée de la Grue" contributing to this dynamic platform.
This underground space of over 1,500 m² serves multiple functions: guest parking, an event hall dedicated to sustainability for markets, exhibitions, or networking evenings. It also houses technical rooms for energy production, water treatment, as well as the storage and processing of food resources produced on-site.
The atmosphere is welcoming, blending mineral and plant elements, infused with the scent of earth and the freshness of greenery. It’s a space designed for smooth circulation, inviting visitors to stroll and enjoy the indoor green wall, which also plays an active role in the final stage of wastewater and air filtration. The materials are natural, mainly sourced from the excavation site itself, such as earth-based concrete. Numerous skylights illuminate pathways and plants. At the center of the space, nestled within a hexagonal cellar built from natural stone, lies the site's treasure: a rare quartz crystal from the mountains, radiating a calming, serene energy and grounding the building into the earth.
One of the walls is adorned with a cut-out artwork painted by regional artists. The base of the piece is crafted by several papercutting artisans from the "Valley of the Crane," from Gruyère through the Pays-d’Enhaut to Saanenland. The composition celebrates the seasons in all their splendor, transporting you into a world where nature and art merge in harmony. This collective work aims to unite strengths, languages, and cultures, while highlighting the rich biodiversity of these regions. It resonates with the Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut and the Swiss Paper Cutting Center, located just next to the site—an important partner of the project.