Octospider – CityLife
ArtLine Milano is an ambitious public art project initiated by the Municipality of Milan, designed to enhance urban spaces through a collection of outdoor artworks. Located in the public park of the CityLife redevelopment area, the project features over twenty permanent artworks that enrich the landscape and foster cultural engagement. Among these works, eight were selected through a competition for artists under 40, while the remaining pieces are created by internationally renowned artists.
In one of its most innovative collaborations, the project has involved architect Margherita Brianza and award-winning artist Jeremy Deller. Together with Kompan, they transformed a sculpture of an octopus, originally conceived for ArtLine Milano, into an interactive and playful art piece. This sculpture, renamed Octospider, was developed starting in 2018 and merges the features of an octopus and a spider into a functional, elegant, and versatile creation.
The Octospider structure, rising up to 7.80 meters, features a central section resembling the head of an octopus, from which extends a 4-meter-high slide painted in vibrant pink. Both the central body and the slide are made of steel, ensuring durability and strength. The lower part of the sculpture includes various climbing nets and membranes for sliding, arranged to resemble the legs of a spider, offering numerous play opportunities.
This play area will accommodate up to 70 children simultaneously and provide nine different types of recreational activities, designed to stimulate children’s imagination and motor skills. With its innovative design and multifunctional features, the Octospider represents a significant addition to the ArtLine Milano project, enhancing the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.
To date, the park has not yet been opened to the public; the City of Milan, which owns the area, plans to inaugurate it in 2025.
Project details
Design: Kompan Italia
Project Location: CityLife, Milan, Italy
Typology: Playground
Design year: 2018
Built: 2024 (inauguration 2025)
Landscape architect: Arch. Margherita Brianza
Artist: Jeremy Deller
Manufacturer of urban equipment: Out-sider
Manufacturer of playground equipment: Kompan Italia
Photo credits: © ArtLine Milano
Kompan
At Kompan, the mission has been clear and unwavering since their inception in 1970: to help clients build healthier, happier communities. Their journey began with a simple yet revolutionary idea, rooted in a deep appreciation for the role of play in a child’s development. The story of Kompan is intimately connected with the visionary Tom Lindhardt. Noticing the joy children found in interacting with his art, Tom envisioned a new way to integrate his artistic creations into play. Alongside co-founder Hans Mogens Fenne-Frederiksen, Tom founded Kompan to transform art into play. This innovation arose during the 1970s, when urbanization led to large, impersonal housing projects. Their philosophy is also reflected in their name: “Kompan” derives from the Danish word for “companion” and “lifetime friend.” They are dedicated to building vibrant environments that promote well-being and growth, guided by the belief that thoughtful design fosters healthy, happy communities.