2025

öffentlich zugänglich

Grohmannstr. 63, 80933 München

Kickerfigur: seitlich pulverbeschichtetes Aluminiumblech, Vorder- und Rückseite beklebt (Digitaldruck auf Hochleistungsfolie), 350 x 80 x 30 cm, Kickerstange: feuerverzinktes und pulverbeschichtetes Stahlrohr, L: 480 cm, ø 21,9 cm, Griff: pulverbeschichtetes Stahlblech, L: 100 cm, ø 32,4 cm

Architecture: Architekten Claus + Forster PartGmbH, München

Landscape architecture: EGL Entwicklung und Gestaltung von Landschaft GmbH, Landshut

Photos: Peter Schinzler

Text: Lea Weber

The Hasenbergl District Sports Facility is surrounded by trees. Small streets lead to the complex, which is visible from afar. When approaching from the direction of the apartment blocks, an orange rod protruding from one of the buildings catches the eye. Immediately the question arises: Will it be swallowed up by the building or will it remerge somewhere else? As we continue walking until we stand before the clubhouse, we recognize what the rod is supporting on the other side: an oversized figure floating between the two buildings above the entrance area. Orange socks and jersey, white shorts, dark hair. A unisex foosball figure with its arms firmly pressed against its torso, ready for the next shot or block. Its eyes look directly at visitors, as if the figure were a host welcoming all athletes. Recalling the orange rod, we now recognize the clubhouse as a virtual foosball table, with the rod becoming the handle used to control the figure. We automatically imagine the connection between the handle and the figure inside the building.

In a subversive yet reserved manner, the artist Bernadette Huber (*1962, Linz) animates the sports facility from all sides. Like many of her works, this one also engages and interacts with visitors. A genderless, striking figure floats above the entrance, expanding and enhancing the playful and collective character of the sports facility, where both foosball, athletics and shooting are practiced. The sports facility is a meeting place for multiple teams and sports groups. The foosball figure serves to connect the two buildings and unite all sports and teams while also welcoming spectators, young people, and restaurant patrons.

Foosball tables are played on with enthusiasm, at times often besieged by both players and spectators who join in the excitement, cheering, sympathizing, and celebrating. Foosball provides low-threshold access to sports, yet we are less familiar with seeing foosball tables in sports facilities than in youth centers, restaurants or event spaces. Foosball connects and embodies the competitive essence inherent in every sport, and “Foosball – Art in Motion” shifts the playing field, attracting people while symbolizing movement and promoting accessibility. The project sets a conspicuous, ironic, and easily accessible accent in public space.

Huber’s foosball figure continually reminds us of both the emotional and collective – whether we are entering the parking lot, walking to training or the locker room or gazing at the building during a game. The foosball player hovers above us steadfastly, providing support and enthusiasm.