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Anniversary celebrations in Winterthur
For the past 150 years, Winterthur has been home to AXA Switzerland and it’s time we gave something back to the city! We came up with three special projects to show our gratitude and add more biodiversity:
- Flora Futura Park, a city park where you can learn about and experience biodiversity,
- Green bus stops, which help improve the microclimate and
- Microforests, compact forested spaces that create biodiverse habitat in urban areas.
Flora Futura Park
The approximately 16,000 square meters of land at the AXA location in Winterthur underwent ecological restoration to serve as new habitat for plants and animals. Dive into the fascinating world of biodiversity. Enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, discover the interactive stations and have fun learning interesting things about nature. Both young and old can find something new to discover!
Welcome to Flora Futura Park!
Discover, marvel, relax: In Flora Futura Park you can spend time relaxing while also learning some interesting things about biodiversity. There are 13 stations set up for you to learn about diversity in nature or you can use the interactive web app. Not only can you discover plenty of important information, you’ll also find practical tips on what you can do to actively promote biodiversity. It’s ideal for families and anyone who is curious to learn more about nature and see it from a new perspective.
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Discovery Trail
The Discovery Trail teaches young visitors about biodiversity in a playful way. The AXA Fox digital guide leads them through six stations and explains all the various types of biodiversity in the park in a way that’s fun for kids.
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Join in and win
Learning with us has its rewards! Everyone who follows the Discovery Trail while listening to the AXA Fox and answers all the questions in the accompanying booklet has the chance to win some great prizes. All you need to participate is a cell phone.
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Recharge zone
Whether you want to take a walk, meet friends or read a good book, the park is the ideal place to spend some time unwinding. New seating options in the form of cocoons, bird nests and tables create a cozy space to relax where you can sit back and observe the animals in their native habitats.
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Dogs allowed
Dogs are still welcome in the park. But please keep them on a leash.
Good to know
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How can I access information and interactive content?
At Flora Futura Park, all the information is available to you online through the web app. You can find the QR code for the web app at the entrance to the park and also at AXA’s head office on General-Guisan-Strasse 40.
To get the most out of your experience, we recommend you use the interactive web app. You can also find the most important information on the signs in the park.
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What languages is the content available in?
The web app is available in German, French and Italian. Please note that the signs in the park are only in German.
The quiz booklet for the Discovery Trail in the park is only available in German. You can find both the French and Italian versions in the web app.
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Is the park barrier-free?
Flora Futura Park is barrier-free. However, please note that at the main entrance by AXA head office (AXA Tower) there are stairs between the first and second stations.
If you need a stair-free alternative, you can enter the park using Römerstrasse 17 which has barrier-free access near Stations 5 and 6 in the park. From here you can move about the park freely and also easily return to Station 2.
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Are restrooms available?
Public restrooms are located very close to the park. The interactive map of the park shows you their exact location.
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When is the park open?
The park is open 24 hours a day all year round and there is no entrance fee. You can visit any time you like to enjoy nature during each of the seasons.
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Can I leave feedback?
Yes, you can give us your feedback in the web app under “Feedback.”
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Can I enter the contest online or do I have to go to the park?
You must go to the park to submit your entry. Once you’ve finished the Discovery Trail, you can fill out the entry form and drop it in the designated mailbox at the exit.
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The history of the park
The buildings and parkland at AXA head office are registered as historical sites worth protecting by the city of Winterthur. The park in particular is considered to be a splendid example of 20th century landscape architecture and is an immensely important element of the complex. The park was originally built in the mid-19th century. For this reason, carefully preserving the existing structures was a key aspect of the park renovations.
In order to promote biodiversity and provide more room for nature, the 16,000 square meters of green space surrounding our head office underwent ecological restoration. There are now natural areas, flower meadows and structures such as piles of branches which create habitat for countless animals, including birds and insects.
Another cultural aspect of the head office is AXA’s contemporary art collection, which lends the space sophistication through modern art as it weaves a visible connection between history, nature and art.
In this way, the AXA head office in Winterthur combines tradition with sustainable urban development to create a place wherehistory, art and nature come together.
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What will happen to the works of art in the park?
The pink sculpture by Franz West in front of the main building and the iron sculpture by Silvio Mattioli on the lawn will stay. They are to be relocated to a place where these pieces from our cultural heritage will interact harmoniously with their natural surroundings.
What advantages do green bus stops provide?
Green bus stops have numerous positive effects on their surroundings:
- They improve the microclimate and cool down the surrounding area. The plantings on the bus stops lower the temperature on hot summer days to create more pleasant conditions for pedestrians.
- They promote biodiversity: These plantings create tiny habitats for insects, birds and other animals right in the middle of the city, which promotes biodiversity and protects threatened species.
- They store rainwater: Green roofs store rainwater. This takes the pressure off of storm drains and lowers the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
- They improve air quality: Plants filter out fine dust and harmful substances from the air. This means green bus stops help improve air quality and promote a healthier environment for people.
Project locations and implementation in Winterthur
A total of five green bus stops are planned in cooperation with Winterthur City Bus (in German). The bus shelters at the Haldengut, Strahlegg, Obertor, Im Link and Industriepark stops will all receive green roofs in 2025.
What is a microforest?
A microforest is a tiny forested area often within a city that grows into a dense, highly diverse ecosystem within just a few years thanks to the use of a specific planting method. The concept of a microforest comes from the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. The aim is to achieve a large amount of biodiversity in a very small space to improve air quality, regulate the microclimate and create habitat for many animals.
What advantages do microforests provide?
Microforests have numerous positive effects on their surroundings:
- They promote biodiversity: Microforests grow up to ten times faster than forests that are planted the traditional way and become a functioning ecosystem in just two years. This means they are an efficient reforesting method because in a relatively short amount of time they create habitat for plants and animals to promote the biodiversity of cities.
- They improve air quality: Microforests sequester carbon and filter out harmful substances and fine dust particles from the air. And they are natural air conditioners. Water evaporates from trees when it’s hot, which cools the air.
- They minimize the risk of floods: Through their dense vegetation and deep roots, microforests help soak up and store rainwater, which improves the soil structure and minimizes the risks of floods.
- They also improve the well-being of humans – green spaces have a positive effect on people’s emotional state. They reduce stress, improve a person’s mood and promote a general sense of well-being.
Project locations and implementation in Winterthur
AXA employees volunteer to plant the microforests together with Stadtgrün (in German) Winterthur. A total of two microforests are slated to be planted in Winterthur: One Am Brisiweg in the Veltheim neighborhood and one in Allmend Grüzefeld. Starting in March 2025, both of these areas will be open to the public.
