Inhabitable Water Sculpture Reframes Public Space in Ljubljana
Located in the center of Ljubljana, Water Sculpture LJ is a site-specific public artwork realized by M.KOCBEK architects and P PLUS arhitekti nine years after winning a public design competition. Conceived as a spatial intervention within the city’s dense urban fabric, the sculpture introduces a defined micro-environment that operates as a small urban platform. Its continuous, rounded geometry establishes a distinct spatial condition that contrasts with the surrounding movement of the city while remaining visually and physically accessible.
The mirrored sculpture is formed as a continuous spatial loop that frames views and directs movement, producing a sequence of changing visual perspectives. Rather than functioning as an object to be observed from a distance, the installation is designed as an inhabitable structure that supports movement, sitting, and tactile engagement. The spatial configuration allows passers-by to move through and within the form, integrating everyday use into the experience of the artwork and positioning it as part of the public realm rather than a detached sculptural object.
all images by Ana Skobe
Water Flow and Reflective Surfaces Animate the Urban Context
Water circulation is integrated as a central design element, reinforcing themes of movement, continuity, and flow. The presence of water operates both spatially and symbolically, referencing natural cycles and processes through continuous motion. This integration positions the sculpture as an interface between material form and environmental dynamics, linking physical presence with less tangible phenomena such as circulation, transformation, and connectivity.
For the designers Mojca Kocbek of M.KOCBEK architects and Primož Boršič of P PLUS arhitekti, material selection plays a key role in the project’s interaction with its context. The sculpture is constructed from stainless steel, chosen for its reflective properties and durability in an urban environment. Its surface mirrors surrounding activity, light conditions, and weather, causing the sculpture’s appearance to shift throughout the day. Under different atmospheric conditions, the form alternately asserts itself or visually recedes, responding to changes in light, sky, and movement around it.
Water Sculpture LJ is located in the center of Ljubljana as a site-specific public artwork
Water Sculpture LJ functions as a spatial landmark within Ljubljana’s public space network. Designed to connect rather than divide, it supports multiple forms of engagement while maintaining an open relationship with its surroundings. Through its spatial continuity, material responsiveness, and integration of water, the project contributes a flexible public element that operates at the intersection of art, landscape, and urban infrastructure.
the sculpture introduces a defined micro-environment within the dense urban fabric
a continuous, rounded geometry establishes a distinct spatial condition
the mirrored surface contrasts with the movement of the surrounding city
the sculpture is formed as a continuous spatial loop
the installation produces a sequence of changing visual perspectives
the surface mirrors light, weather, and surrounding urban activity
passers-by move through and within the sculptural form
project info:
name: Water Sculpture LJ
designers: M.KOCBEK architects – Mojca Kocbek | @mojcakocbek, P PLUS arhitekti – Primož Boršič | @pplusarhitekti
investor: Municipality of Ljubljana
location: Slovenska cesta, Ljubljana, Slovenia
area: 150 sqm
photographer: Ana Skobe | @anaskobe
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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