At Plaine de l'Asse, the monumental scenography reproduces the Alpine colossus from the front, while revealing an astonishingly transparent mountain in profile. Paradox is a reminder that the insurmountable can be made accessible by a change of perspective. The lighting has been carefully designed to accentuate the contrasts between the solidity and lightness of the structure at night.
This scenographic creation is the result of a collaboration between students from different programmes at Geneva's Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture (HEPIA). This practical project gives them an opportunity to work with professionals and to put into practice what they have learned.
Paradox is also offering seven public events inspired by the same theme and designed by a hundred or so students from sixteen HES-SO universities. These events will challenge our beliefs around concepts such as physical strength, stereotypes and even auras. At the heart of the space will be the "North Face" stage, featuring performances by six groups of students and alumni from the HES-SO's schools of music.
As an "innovation partner" of Paléo Festival Nyon, each year the HES-SO presents a new scenography around a particular theme, as well as activities designed and led by teams of students from its universities. The students, who all participate on a voluntary basis, come from different regions and disciplines and get to know each other through workshops and a bootcamp. This six-month adventure challenges their professional and human skills and becomes a singular and unforgettable experience.
What our students have to say
"Designing and producing the scenography is an enriching, practical and formative experience. It's an opportunity to work with students from other disciplines, to think together about a common goal and to learn from each other. I'm very proud to be involved in such a major project." Ninon Rocacher, student of Landscape Architecture at the Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève (HEPIA).
"Working on such an ambitious project gave me an in-depth understanding of the challenges of coordination, planning and resource management. We had to manage the orders ourselves and test the concepts we were presenting. This taught us to be autonomous and to develop our project management skills. The HES-SO project at Paléo also helped me to improve my self-confidence and my ability to take the initiative—essential qualities for my future career." Lucia Landert, student of Tourism at the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Haute Ecole de Gestion, Sierre.