The art intervention “Arena for a Tree” by Klaus Littmann, will be donated to the Tree Museum of Enzo Enea by the Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger I KBH.G

For centuries, trees have been symbols of life and spiritual strength. Against the backdrop of climate change, forest dieback, and global deforestation, Klaus Littmann’s art intervention assumes a highly relevant role. With “FOR FOREST – The Unending Attraction of Nature” and “Arena for a Tree,” two pioneering projects were presented, sending a strong message for environmental awareness and sustainable urban development in Klagenfurt, Basel, Zurich, and Venice. “Arena for a Tree” now reaches its finale at the Enea Tree Museum in Rapperswil-Jona, thanks to the Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger I KBH.G.

“FOR FOREST – The Unending Attraction of Nature,” a temporary art intervention by Klaus Littmann, transformed the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt into a vibrant forest from September 8 to the end of October 2019.

For two months, visitors watched a Central European mixed forest, designed by Enzo Enea and his team, from the stadium stands—where football is normally played. With “FOR FOREST,” we aimed to make a powerful statement about the importance of nature in an increasingly urbanized world.
Following the ideal model of a Central European mixed forest, which is increasingly displaced by monocultures, Enea Landscape Architecture developed a comprehensive design concept based on extensive local analysis, considering natural diversity, harmonious transitions, and a balanced mix of plant species. On an area of 7,000 square meters, a total of 299 trees, some up to 14 meters tall, were planted. The carefully selected trees were nursery specimens that had been transplanted multiple times, making them better prepared to grow and thrive at their new location. To authentically complete the picture of a natural forest, Enzo Enea designed the forest floor with a variety of plant species, including woody plants and shrubs. This concept merges aesthetic aspirations with ecological considerations, creating a sustainable, vibrant forest landscape. Installing trees of this scale requires precise techniques for root excavation and pruning, developed by landscape architect Enzo Enea, which have been successfully applied worldwide for many years.
Klaus Littmann’s project also served as a reminder that nature’s familiarity might one day only be witnessed in designated areas—similar to what happens today with animals in zoos. “FOR FOREST” demonstrated how art can sharpen our awareness of environmental and climate protection.

For Forest – The unending Attraction of Nature_by Klaus Littmann. Photo: Gerhard Maurer

“Arena for a Tree” concludes at the Enea Tree Museum in Rapperswil-Jona

From Basel to Zurich to Venice, the arena has found its way and will now occupy its final place at the Enea Tree Museum. This work by Klaus Littmann is presented as a gift from the Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger to Enzo Enea’s Tree Museum, ensuring that “Arena for a Tree” remains accessible to the public, providing space for various activities that convey the value of trees and nature in dialogue with people. The Enea Tree Museum is the ideal location for this: since its opening in 2010, landscape architect and art collector Enzo Enea has raised awareness of the relationship between art and nature. By saving trees, Enea makes a powerful statement for a more conscious approach to nature. For the now 60-year-old Enzo Enea, trees hold a special significance: “For me, a tree is the perfect expression of nature,” says Enzo Enea. “Trees are my passion.”

As the tree of the future, the Japanese Zelkovia has been selected for the arena at the Enea Tree Museum. This highly climate-resilient, deciduous tree generates a pleasant microclimate with its large crown and provides ample shade. Zelkova trees are considered very robust street trees in large cities like Tokyo and New York.

Today, Enzo Enea, one of the leading landscape designers internationally, utilizes his expertise, decades of experience, and reputation to support initiatives and projects aimed at fostering ecological awareness in the public and encouraging people to appreciate nature more. In his tree museum, created in an industrial area, Enea not only saves trees and maintains his nursery but also showcases trees alongside art, placing them in a constant dialogue that invites visitors. Enzo Enea exhibits around 40 contemporary artworks and large-scale installations from artists such as John Giorno, Sylvie Fleury, Jaume Plensa, Jürgen Drescher, Stella Hamberg, Ugo Rondinone, Olaf Nicolai, and many others.

His focus lies particularly on artworks and artists who engage with nature. Art is an integral part of his work as a landscape architect, with the intention of uniting nature, architecture, ecology, and art.