The building permit for the controversial 'Tethys' roundabout art installation in Möhlin has been officially filed, bringing the project one step closer to reality. Swiss Salina is financing the entire project as a gesture of appreciation for the extended salt mining concession granted by the Canton of Aargau until 2075, despite significant public criticism regarding the concrete sculpture's environmental impact.
The monumental sculpture will be installed at the Riburg traffic roundabout in Möhlin, with Swiss Salina covering the full cost in the low six-figure range. The artwork, titled 'Tethys. Monument to the Primordial Sea,' was designed by Zurich artist Esther Mathis and will consist of three concrete wave breakers, each weighing approximately 20 tons, arranged in an apparently random upright composition.
When the project was first announced in July, it sparked intense criticism from residents of Möhlin and Rheinfelden. Social media platforms were flooded with negative comments within hours, with many calling the project an imposition or even an eyesore. Several letters to the editor criticized the replacement of a green, planted roundabout with a 60-ton concrete sculpture, with the main criticism focusing on the lack of ecological responsibility.
One reader captured the sentiment of many commenters by pointing out that while some cantons ban stone gardens, a concrete roundabout was being created here. Others demanded that the area be planted with native vegetation instead of erecting a massive concrete structure. Critics argued for nature-friendly landscaping rather than the heavy concrete installation.
The project developers defended their choice by pointing to the professionally supported jury consisting of representatives from the canton, the salt company, and art experts. This jury selected the project specifically because of its connection between art and environment. Over the years, moss and lichens are expected to settle on the sculpture, naturally changing its appearance and integrating it with the natural environment.
The building permit for the approximately 18-foot-high artwork in the Chilli roundabout has been publicly posted as of Friday. According to the permit documentation, the existing earth mound in the center of the roundabout will first be completely removed, followed by excavation to frost depth. Point foundations will be created on a concrete base layer, on which the two lower tetrapods will rest. During installation, the ground will be gradually backfilled and compacted.
Construction work will primarily take place at night to minimize traffic disruption. During these periods, traffic in all directions will be managed through alternating single-lane operation. The crane installation will occur on the southern half of the roundabout, where the heavy concrete components will also be delivered.
After installation, the sculpture's surface will be treated in two distinct zones using specialized equipment. The upper portion will receive a mineral protective coating to make it weather-resistant, while the lower section - up to approximately six feet in height - will be roughened using a mobile sandblasting machine, making the white aggregate stones visible. This technique will create a lighter zone over the years that resembles a waterline, serving as a subtle reference to the primordial sea that the work is dedicated to.
The project developers emphasize in their documentation that the installation meets all cantonal requirements for roundabout interior design. The Tethys sculpture is clearly contoured and will not distract traffic, as it does not move, glow, or have lighting that could blind drivers. Additionally, the artwork will remain lower than existing traffic lighting and will not cast shadows beyond the center island. Sharp edges have also been avoided in the design.
According to the building permit, the final roundabout work, including paving, is scheduled to be completed in December. At that point, it will become clear how the monument is received by the public and road users, potentially settling the debate that has surrounded this ambitious public art project since its announcement.
