„Roads shape our modern, mobile world. A large part of inhabited areas is sealed and dedicated to motorized traffic. What is criticized today for causing city overheating was originally considered a stroke of genius.
The Swiss pulmonologist Dr. Ernest Guglielminetti proposed sealing roads, which were becoming increasingly dusty due to rising traffic, with tar. In 1902, following his plans, the first 40 meters of paved road were laid in Monte Carlo. This earned the Swiss doctor the nickname Dr. Goudron (French for tar).
I find this story—one among many Swiss inventions—fascinating, especially considering the controversy surrounding the material itself. Because tar contains carcinogenic substances, it was banned in Switzerland from 1991 onwards, and asphalt, a mixture of bitumen and rock, became the preferred material.
Asphalt can be deformed with heat, and the Asphalt-Clock takes advantage of this property. I heated broken flooring from Zurich construction sites (Usteristrasse and Rigistrasse) and reshaped it. The result is a simple, deep black table clock with an irregular and unique structure. This controversial and omnipresent material is elevated—upcycling instead of mere recycling. From the street into the living room.
This chunk of asphalt serves as a thought-provoking piece, a witness to our contradictory world, and a reminder that our constant acceleration continues to stir up dust. The clock is ticking.“
First series of 3 handmade pieces
