Cultural Project in the Swiss High Alps

The engagement of the Nova Fundaziun Origen helps revitalize villages at risk of decline, strengthen social structures, and foster a pioneering spirit – all with the goal of quietly enabling sustainable development in the Alpine region. The Vontobel Foundation is supporting this endeavor.

If you drive over the Julier Pass in the Engadin, you cannot miss it: the White Tower of Mulegns. This unique structure serves as a performative space and commemorates the history of the confectioners who once emigrated from the region. Built in close collaboration with the ETH in Zurich, it is considered the tallest 3D-printed structure in the world and represents an important milestone in resource-efficient construction for the future.

The White Tower is one of several current projects of the culturally oriented foundation Nova Fundaziun Origen, which has been active in the canton of Graubünden since 2005. Its Romansh name “Origen” corresponds to the English word “origin,” fittingly, as exploring the roots of local cultural history and reinterpreting traditions characterize all of Origen’s work.

The foundation’s engagement is helping to revitalize some of the small villages in the region that are at risk of dying out, strengthen social structures, and foster a pioneering spirit, with the aim of quietly enabling sustainable development in the Alpine region. The initiative began with theatrical productions, but over the years, various larger projects have been added in areas such as hospitality, heritage conservation, historical research, village development, and new construction technologies.

Origen’s cultural activities promote new forms of performing arts, an innovative architectural culture, and high-quality craftsmanship. The jobs created through these projects support social cohesion in the villages and are even attracting new residents to the valley. Its collaborations with renowned universities reinforce the pioneering spirit of the entire region and help fortify Switzerland’s innovative capacity.

In the village of Riom, a campus is planned to serve as the organization’s creative engine and make new collaborative projects possible. The campus will reflect the rich history of the site, which dates back to Roman times, while encouraging an exciting future to take shape.

The Vontobel Foundation is providing support for the project from 2025 to 2027.