The project aims to show how a small farming village, Chippis, was transformed and reshaped over the life cycle of the Alusuisse aluminum plant. The establishment of Alusuisse brought not only workers from numerous mountain villages, but also engineers and managers from Zurich. Chippis grew in importance and underwent significant changes.

 

Chippis's original identity was not preserved during the industrialization process. Different social classes emerged, multicultural environments began to emerge, Catholics and Protestants coexisted peacefully, and new, modern-style houses and buildings were built alongside traditional farmers' dwellings. However, a form of segregation between the different groups is easily discernible. Over the years, the factory was sold and then resold to foreign companies.

 

Today, it is no longer called Alusuisse but Constellium. Its activities have been significantly reduced, and the factory may eventually disappear. Moreover, Chippis's industrial heritage is in danger: historic buildings and houses have been demolished one by one to be replaced by standardized mass housing.