Musical chairs: Daniel Libeskind unveils new installation in Frankfurt

Pictured drawn on the road
The plaza of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt is currently home to Daniel Libeskind’s ’Musical Labyrinth’, designed in collaboration with the Spanish company Cosentino
(Image credit: press)

Daniel Libeskind is known for creating architecture that is resonant, original and sustainable, as well as, in one way or another, connected to his passions for music, philosophy and literature.

The ’One Day in Life’ initiative was commissioned by the Alte Oper Frankfurt and comprised individual concert events on the 21 and 22 of May in various locations across the city, challenging the audience to become active and make their way around the city through music.

As well as each concert being held in a different location, the program was performed several times in each locale at two-hour intervals. This allowed the audience to enjoy different areas of the city at their leisure, going from station to station.

In collaboration with Cosentino – a Spanish family-owned company producing high-quality surfaces for design – Libeskind presented the ’Musical Labyrinth’ installation. This conincided with the launch of Cosentino’s latest product, Dekton, an ultra-compact material used primarily for facade covering.

Libeskind had previously used the material for the creation of the ’Beyond the Wall’ structure, a design project realised for the Spanish company and placed at their headquarters in Almeria.

One of the core elements of the ’Musical Labyrinth’ project was unveiled in Frankfurt’s Alte Oper plaza, realised on a black Dekton surface featuring white engravings based on an original drawing by the architect.

Covering 289 sq m, the white engraved lines show an imaginary cartographic diagram, mapping out the points where the 18 concerts and performances of the ’One Day in Life’ initiative were being held.

Musical artists performing shows on the road

The installation was created as part of the ’One Day in Life’ initiative, commissioned by the Alte Oper Frankfurt and which comprised individual concert events on the 21 and 22 of May in various locations across the city. 

(Image credit: Daniel Libeskind)

People gathered for musical show

’Musical Labyrinth’ comprises 80 customised Dekton slabs, each measuring 3.2m by 1.4m at a depth of 2cm. Pictured: a view of Libeskind’s installation

(Image credit: press)

Peoples posing for the picture

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Alte Oper’s general and artistic director, Dr Stephan Pauly (left); and Pierre Heck, country manager for Cosentino Germany (right)

(Image credit: press)

Peoples going for the musical show

Covering 289 sq m, the installation’s white engraved lines show an imaginary labyrinth, mapping out the points where the 18 concerts and performances of the ’One Day in Life’ initiative were being held

(Image credit: press)

INFORMATION
’Musical Labyrinth’ is on view until 15 June. For more information, visit the ’One Day in Life’ website