THE LIFE ELECTRIC – LAKESIDE ARTWORK
THE LIFE ELECTRIC
“The Life Electric” monument, in honor of Alessandro Volta, will be erected at the center of Lake Como’s first basin, standing at the final rounded portion of the breakwater facing Cavour Square. Starchitect Daniel Libeskind is the man behind the work: clean-cut, linear, and deeply context-driven. Standing at roughly 16.50 m tall, it resembles two sine waves facing each other while playing on reciprocating curves and movement. The work itself intertwines energetic and scientific elements with natural ones. It marks the area’s third pole as it is situated between the Brunate Lighthouse and the public gardens Temple, two other works that are, not coincidentally, dedicated to Volta. The monument will be immersed in a series of lighting and transparency effects that allow for a smoother transition to the surrounding area while still reflecting the depth and visual stimuli that characterize the basin. The extraordinary optical lighting effects required an in-depth research that renders them awe-inspiring yet delicate, leading to the use of biodynamic LED illumination variances, a revolutionary solution for a groundbreaking yet equally eco-friendly work. The monument will set out to enhance the natural landscape of the lake, mountains and city, turning the area into an architectural and artistic breeding ground.
THE LIFE ELECTRIC – LAKESIDE ARTWORK
The idea for this very work is deeply rooted and is inspired by Daniel Libeskind’s profound love of Como. It represents an expansive reflection, an ongoing discussion between local organizations Amici di Como, Como Tourism and the architect himself. The work will display light sources reflected by the lake as well as a lightshow equipped with a water vapor unit, painting an image of being suspended over a cloud and setting a magnificent all-around tone.
DANIEL LIBESKIND
Daniel Libeskind is a world-renowned architect and designer. His portfolio ranges from the construction of private and cultural institutions – including museums and auditoriums – conference centers, universities, residences, hotels, shopping centers and estates. Born in Łód’z, Poland in 1946, Libeskind was a promising young musician, eventually giving up music and fully dedicating himself to architecture. Throughout the course of his career, he has received a plethora of awards while drawing up world-famous projects: the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Denver Art Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the Military History Museum in Dresden, and the Ground Zero Master Plan. In a constant attempt to expand upon the boundaries posed by architecture, Daniel Libeskind reveals his deep interest and engagement in philosophy, art, literature and music. Adhering closely to the idea that every building undergoes evolution just like man himself, Libeskind stays true to his principal philosophy when adapting his work to be consistent with the wide range of cultural contexts where they are erected. Daniel teaches and holds conferences at universities from all over the world and he lives in New York and Milan with wife and business partner, Nina Libeskind
