While Switzerland’s flag is famously square, its streets are surprisingly dotted with roundabouts, or ‘Kreisels’ as they are called in German. As common as station clocks, nearly every town boasts at least one. Unfortunately, public involvement in their design has sometimes led to… questionable results, like horizontal steel pipes or piles of rock. However, there are exceptions, as the town of Lyss near Bern beautifully demonstrates. Those who travel near the freeway entrance will encounter the KUFA Kreisel, a giant vinyl turntable that has, unsurprisingly, gone viral.
This eye-catching roundabout, commissioned by the Bern civil engineering department, is a tribute to the nearby Kulturfabrik (KUFA), a popular cultural venue. Though it doesn’t spin or produce sound, and lacks a tonearm, the 10-meter-wide record, within a 12 meter total diameter circle, is a striking sight. Its surface is surrounded by 800 shimmering silver metal washers, catching the light and adding to the visual appeal. Before the turntable concept, ideas ranged from a cargo container with graffiti art to an oversized microphone. However, given the circular shape of the traffic circle, a giant turntable was the perfect fit.
Additional photos can be found here.
Completed in May 2019 after years of planning by the creative minds at KUFA, the roundabout features a branded vinyl record, reflecting the venue’s vibrant music scene, including frequent parties, flea markets, pub quizzes, and cultural events. So, if you are ever in the Bern area, take a musical detour to Lyss, and experience the spinning sensation of the KUFA Kreisel for yourself, before heading to a show at the KUFA.
+ No AI in Music. Out a fake band here.