The Tree of Life at Expo 2015, a symbol of rebirth

The Expo 2015 in Milan chose the theme of "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life" and the whole event revolves around it, both in terms of aesthetical design and content. The theme of nourishment is also linked to the symbol that has been chosen for this Expo in Milan. Each universal exhibition is in fact characterized by a specific and representative monument, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris being the highest expression of this tradition.

The monument chose for Expo 2015 is the Tree of Life, a grand building that recalls the theme of the event and, at the same time, embodies an important message for the Italian economy and the host nation in general. The structure is 35 meters high, with an inner skeleton made of steel and an outer cover in wood. On top of this gigantic trunk stands a hat that simulates the intertwined branches of a tree, with a diameter of 45 meters. The enormous monument will be high-tech, as it will be constantly illuminated with LED lights and it will also produce light, water and fire games, as well as bubbles and sounds.

The project of the Tree of Life was designed by Marco Balich, artistic director of the Italian Pavilion of Expo 2015. Malich was inspired by the drawing Michelangelo Buonarroti created for the piazza del Campidoglio in Rome.

In the intentions of those who approved and designed the Tree, the monument should represent the Nature as a source of life, but also symbolize the many roots and metaphorical branches of the Italian territory. It also has the goal to raise the importance of Italy as a nation, setting the symbolic stage for a social and economic recovery of the country.

The location chosen for the Tree of Life is the one in front of the Italian Pavilion: in fact, the monument will be built in the middle of Lake Arena, where all events scheduled for this pavilion will take place.

The same Palazzo Italy will look like a branched forest, stretching towards the Tree of Life and housing the best of what Italy has to offer. Nearby will stand the most important element of the pavilion, the Nursery, a space dedicated to the young people and to the discovery of talents among the new generations.

Building the Tree of Life has been more complicated than expected, but the organizers are confident that the work will be brought to fruition in the best possible way.