Lithic Chords / Corda Litica

Lithic Chords / Corda Litica redefines the expressive and structural possibilities of stone. The 21-metre-long structure, composed of post-tensioned stone offcuts, transforms an ancient material into a dynamic and interactive architectural element, merging materiality, performance, and sound. The title plays on “chords,” referencing musical composition, and “corda,” meaning string, evoking the tensioned structure of a musical instrument.
Supported at only two points, its slender design symbolises the passage of time and the connection between geology and human experience. Inspired by Pinuccio Sciola’s concept of stone as “the memory of the universe,” the installation reveals the musical expression of geological formations. Soundscapes resonate through the stone, transforming it into an interactive instrument. The structure functions as both a convivial gathering space and an immersive sensory installation. The first 14 metres encourage social interaction, while the cantilevered final 7 metres invite physical engagement, revealing stone’s hidden elasticity. Lithic Chords / Corda Litica reuses stone offcuts to create an installation that highlights the potential of circularity and design for disassembly. This approach echoes the Venetian tradition of spoglia, where stones from diverse origins were repurposed to form a layered architectural history. Referencing John Ruskin’s The Stones of Venice, the installation reflects on how architecture accumulates time, culture, and meaning.
The synergy between stone and steel mirrors the mechanics of a string instrument (corda), where steel cables apply compression while external tension rods counteract gravitational forces. Through this dialogue between material history, structural innovation, and sensory perception, Lithic Chords / Corda Litica offers a new perspective on stone, one that breathes, vibrates, and interacts with the geology of time.