Construction of the much needed Zurich Opera House parking complex was halted earlier this spring when archaeological remains dating back to 3000 BC was discovered. The City of Zurich secured an emergency fund to pay for the CHF 12 million dig. This will be one of the largest, quickest and most difficult archaeological excavations in the country. WRS video journalist Amy Wong picked up a shovel and went out to find some Neolithic artifacts.

When it comes to contemporary art, there aren’t many names bigger than that of Matthew Barney. The multimedia artist has been a force to reckon with since his days as an art student at Yale. The former athlete and present life partner of the singer Bjork is mostly known for his lengthy cinematic master pieces known the Cremaster Cycle and performance piece series entitled Drawing Restraint. The exhibit Matthew Barney. Prayer Sheet with the Wound and the Nail includes two entirely new Drawing Restraint pieces made in Basel, and marks the acquisition of a substantial part of the artists Drawing Restraint series by the Laurenz Foundation, which runs Schaulager. WRS video journalist Amy Wong has the story:

Nearly four months have passed since the doors were thrown open to the “totem” of the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). The flowing, open plan concept of the building is what won the Japanese architecture firm SANAA the contract—and the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize—but it’s also led to unexpected problems. Since the opening, over 25,000 tourists have shown up at the Rolex Learning Center—admiring the inclines, taking pictures and bothering anxious students studying for their finals. WRS video journalist Amy Wong spent the afternoon at EPFL disturbing students.

You’ve probably seen one of his photos on the cover of TIME Magazine or National Geographic. The famous Iranian-born photographer and activist Reza Deghati, who works under the name Reza, has documented the most devastated and war-torn regions of the planet for past three decades.

Reza is a guest of honour for the opening of the Making Peace photo exhibit opening June 6 in Geneva. The exhibit is just one of the several attractions being organized by the International Peace Bureau as a tribute to those devoted to working for peace.

WRS video journalist Amy Wong sat down with Reza at his hotel:

Why bother with expensive gym memberships when you can just go outside? Urban training makes use of park benches, railings and city lawns to keep fit. Former Lausanne footballer Matthew Gleyre introduced the idea to French-speaking Switzerland and now offers free courses, thanks to sponsors. WRS video journalist Amy Wong laced up her sneakers and joined a class.

Six months have passed since the smoking ban took effect in Geneva for the second time. While many smokers feel they were left out in the cold this winter, some found ways of keeping warm and without quitting. Due to a last minute amendment to the legislation, cafes, bars and restaurants can offer their smoking clientele the comfort of a smoking room if enclosure, ventilation and zero staffing requirements are met. There are now roughly over 30 of these rooms around the city. However not all of them are up to regulation, and surprisingly neither smokers nor anti-smoking groups seem to be very fond of them. WRS video journalist Amy Wong has this report.

It’s being called the “sweetener of tomorrow” by food and drink manufacturers, yet the South American plant stevia is still banned as a food additive in the EU, with the exception of France. WRS video journalist Amy Wong put on a hair net for a stroll through the Villars chocolate factory to find out more: