Albero della Vita.
The global icon designed for an entertainment experience at Expo 2015
Expo 2015 - Milano - Italy
The Italian Pavilion at Expo 2015 featured a global icon designed to enhance the entertainment experience for visitors. Conceived as a symbol for the Italian edition of the Universal Exhibition, the Tree of Life, or Albero della Vita, stood tall under the creative vision of its designers. Inspired by the Expo theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” the Tree of Life served as a metaphorical representation of the importance of drawing nourishment from the past to propagate beauty as a source of energy for life.
This monumental installation, reaching a height of 37 meters and crafted from 150 tons of steel and wood, captivated audiences with its spectacular showcase. Designed to incorporate music, water and pyro fountains, as well as light and projection effects, the Tree of Life transformed into not just an icon but an architectural landmark, embodying unique experiences and memories for visitors.
With an impressive monthly footfall of 2.5 million visitors, the Tree of Life and its accompanying shows proved to be effective communication tools, drawing in new audiences and generating significant buzz on social media. In 2015, it became a trending topic, symbolizing the spirit of the Expo and its message.
Described by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, as the symbolic legacy of the Universal Exposition, the Tree of Life was envisioned as a testament to the intelligence and solidarity network fostered by Milan throughout the event.
Designed by Giò Forma, the Tree of Life drew inspiration from the paving of Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome. Its canopy, crafted from a grid of intersecting lozenges and polygons, spiraled upwards in accordance with the Fibonacci sequence, creating a mesmerizing “vertical town square” suspended 30 meters above ground.
Comprising four main steel blocks, each weighing 20 tons, the Tree of Life was expertly erected in just two hours, thanks to the innovative techniques employed by the Orgoglio Brescia consortium. This feat of engineering further underscored the symbolic and practical significance of the Tree of Life at Expo 2015.
