view from Lake Como. image © Carlo Pozzoni 

Daniel Libeskind installs a contemporary stainless steel sculpture called ''Life Electric'' in Lake Como, Italy, which is the most visited touristic place in the world. Libeskind created a new techno-elegant structure in collaboration with the business association of Como -Amici di Como Studio Libeskind created Life Electric, a dazzling 16.5 meter. As it is well-known, this public monument, the first contemporary work ever to be installed in Como, is an homage to famed scientist Alexander Volta who hails from the city-and Como Lake houses many Hollywood film stars' and famous names' private residences including George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Elton John, Chrissy Teigen-John Legend and Martine McCutcheon-Jack McManus. Life Electric was opened to the public on October 2, 2015.

image © Carlo Pozzoni

“It is an amazing honor to be able to give this work a home in one of the most beautiful places in the world—and a place very close to my heart,” said Daniel Libeskind. “It is my hope this work will give the people of Como a new public space and expand the architectural language of the city,” adds Libeskind.

the sculpture attracts many attensions from tourists visiting Como Lake. image © Nick Zonna

The installation located on a jetty off the shores of the Lake, the monument is locally crafted in stainless steel, polished to a mirror-finish to reflect the surrounding landscape. Both robust and ephemeral, the sculpture sits upon a stone pedestal fitted with a water feature to give the illusion that the work is floating, as well as rotunda seating that creates a new public space on the lake.  

image © Carlo Pozzoni

The form of this scuptural piece reaches both up towards the sky and arches down to the water, representing the two poles of energy—a nod to Volta’s invention of the battery-looks like a dancing architecture piece. The sculpture will allow for unique perspectives as the natural landscape and sunlight reflect in the dynamic form, which by night becomes an illuminated beacon.

image © Nick Zonna

image © Carlo Pozzoni

image © Carlo Pozzoni

image © Carlo Pozzoni

Project Facts

Project name: Life Eclectic

Architect: Studio Libeskind

Location: Como, Italy

Date: 2015

Status: Completed

Client:  Amici di Como

> via Studio Libeskind