Water Sculpture

competition entry: 1st prize
location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
project date: 2016
completion date:
area: 75 m2
type: public
client: Municipality

project team: Mojca Kocbek, Primož Boršič

The sculpture is located in the centre of the capital city – Ljubljana at the junction of Slovenska and Tomšičeva Street. Slovenska Street is generally perceived as one of the most important streets of the city centre. It has recently been renovated and closed for traffic with the exception of public transport in order to expand the space for pedestrians and cyclists. The result of the renovation is a “shared space” traffic organisation, involving buses, cyclists and pedestrians. It has turned out to be a great solution. The renovation also included new paving, lighting and urban furniture. Tomšičeva Street, on the other hand, is a dead-end street, with little public programme, parking spaces on both sides, attracting less pedestrian traffic than its neighbouring streets.

Furthermore, the sculpture does not separate the different characters of these two streets, but creates new interactions of the two spaces, framing views, channelling the passenger flow, connecting. It becomes a programmatic node, which re-channels a part of the dynamics of Slovenska Street to Tomšičeva Street. The spatial loop creates a new micro-space inside the existing one.

On the one hand, the proposal acknowledges the local context, time cycles (day, night, seasons), as well as the space and the movement of people in relation to the space. On the other hand it aims to create a new identity in this part of Slovenska Street, which would be transferred further to the city itself. It has the potential to become a significant node within the existing network of water fountains and sculptures of the city of Ljubljana. With its fluid form, XL size and reflective finish (polished stainless steel), it could become a new meeting point – a new icon of the city.

The sculpture resembles a continuous loop, dynamic and fluid, which changes its appearance depending on the position of the spectator. Within its form, there is an abstract presence of an invisible, but always present and essential part of every urban environment: infrastructure. Its shape resembles infrastructure, which has emerged from the ground. Water flows from the end of the tube, and disappears into the ground. It is a continuous water cycle, which is present in the nature at all times. Metaphorically, it stands as a reminder that water is of great importance for every society and should never be taken for granted.

Interactivity is also encouraged. Those parts of the sculpture that are in contact with the ground, act as a bench, so users can sit on it, socialize and observe. The flow of water is digitally programmed, so various rhythms and intensities of the flow can be achieved and altered within a short timeframe. LED lights and mist makers are integrated under the metal grate, so unusual visual effects of light volume can be achieved at night.