Here stands the “Fliegender Fisch Sculpture.” It may not look like a fish at first glance.
This sculpture marks the entrance to the Kolumbus-Grundschule. It stands not as a mere sculpture but also as a kind of porch roof. The “Fliegender Fisch Sculpture” welcomes students.
Initially, people called it “Schmetterling,” which means butterfly in German. The wing-like form sits on a conical pillar. This pillar features beveled edges and supports a butterfly-like roof.
Sergius Ruegenberg designed the school and created this sculpture. He gave the roof a vibrant red color. This color matched the window frames of the school building. Today, the roof is pink and the base is white.
The sculpture’s playful form is intentional. Children might see a butterfly or a mushroom. Ruegenberg wanted to reduce any anxiety children might feel about starting school.
Ruegenberg won a competition in 1964 to design the Kolumbus-Grundschule. His design followed the organic building principles of Hans Scharoun. The school was built between 1968 and 1970.
The school complex features five honeycomb-shaped sections. These sections are arranged like pavilions. Ruegenberg avoided right angles, creating a sculptural school building. The “Fliegender Fisch Sculpture,” which he also designed, fits perfectly at the entrance.
Unfortunately, lights were later added to the base. These additions detract from the sculpture’s appearance. Also, the pink paint job diminished the bright red color’s signal effect.
The Kolumbus-Grundschule has been a protected monument since the late 1980s. Inside the school, Karl Heinz Seyen created a stained-glass wall as another art piece.
Martin Gärtner described Ruegenberg’s work. He said Ruegenberg followed his “Postulat des Spontanen.” This means Ruegenberg let a sculpture emerge freely. The school is considered West Berlin’s most innovative post-war building.
Sergius Ruegenberg 1903-1996 was an architect, designer, and artist. He worked with famous architects like Mies van der Rohe and Hans Scharoun. Ruegenberg’s drawing skills and creativity made him a valuable design partner.
His own works feature unconventional and unique designs. Like the Kolumbus-Grundschule, they have fluid, organic forms. Ruegenberg saw the design process as sculpting. He created habitable sculptures tailored to people.
The cheerful “Fliegender Fisch Sculpture” encourages children’s imagination. It is designed to ease any fears about entering school. This entrance piece serves as a welcoming symbol.