Istvandukt is the name of the memorial located at Istvanplatz. The word ductus in Latin means “to lead”
Istvan Sky, to whom this composition is dedicated, saw the meaning of his life in love. This meaning permeated his entire work. He loved everything around him: people, nature, the sun, the rain — but above all, music. Music was his heart, a heart that loved and felt compassion. He believed that music is divine and eases the path. Istvan lived in harmony with himself, and when he sang, he was simply happy. One of his well-known compositions, “The Song of the Butterfly”, was created as a collaborative project with Estas Tonne, Pablo Arellano, and Indre Kuliesswift and recorded in June 2014.
The main idea of this memorial is to convey the elevated life philosophy and the purity of the inner world of Istvan, so that others, passing by or staying in this place, can feel this elevation themselves.
This is a place for touching. For being. For embracing. For reflection.
History of the Concept
In the initial designs, a simple bronze obelisk was planned for this site. To reduce the visual weight of the structure, it was intended to glaze the sides of the obelisk with luminous stained glass. Istvan saw this concept. During our last meeting, we watched an animation of this composition together.
After Istvan’s death, this small open area of 75 square meters at the intersection in front of the building was named after him, and the concept of the composition was reconsidered. Elements symbolically connected to Istvan himself were added to the obelisk.
The family of Istvan gave their consent to this project.
Form as Meaning
The Circle — Continuity
Entering the square, one immediately finds oneself in a space permeated with flowing lines and rounded forms. Istvan’s life flowed calmly, without haste or rush; there were no clocks in his home. Thus, the language of fluid forms is used here — a smooth transition from one element to another. Everything is movement, transition, flow. There are almost no edges, no sharp corners, no abrupt breaks. Lines flow, return, intersect, disappear, and find themselves again. The circle is return.
The Bronze Bench — An Invitation
The bench is not a secondary element but becomes the center of attraction of this place. It is made in the form of a segment of a circle. Its rounded lines continue the shape of the obelisk’s support, affirming their connection. The bench invites not to a brief pause, but to staying. Whoever sits down becomes part of the circle. Bronze preserves traces of time. Hands, weather, and years leave their marks. Nothing disappears. Everything continues to live.
The Sun — The Source
Behind the bench, a radial sun pattern unfolds. The sun dominates. Its rays spread rhythmically and powerfully, filling the space. Waves break through the rays and enter into dialogue with them. Sun and water do not oppose each other — they strengthen one another. This is a union. Without the sun there is no ascent. Without water there is no movement.
Heart, Flame, and Water
On the left, connected to the bench by flowing lines, a warm heart beats. The heart is the source of love. Movement begins from it. It burns and gives direction. Here, the heart is the source from which energy flows.
A flame rises above the heart. It symbolizes an inner fire that does not destroy but warms. Fire here is not destruction, but transformation — an inner burning that inspires a person to love and to create.
Waves are born from the heart. Water overflows the edge. It flows powerfully, energetically, persistently. The waves rise, cross boundaries, meet the sun, and do not avoid its rays. Water here is the unpredictable, the living, that which cannot be stopped.
Heart, fire, and water are the unity of love, creativity, and movement.
Nature — Part of the Soul
For Istvan, trees were part of his soul, his friends. The tree occupies the same important place in the composition. It stands to the left by the building, and its roots extend from the bench. From the roots grows the trunk, rising upward and ending in a spreading crown of annual rings, as if connecting earth and sky. Time, patience, growth. Life leaves traces, even when growth is not visible.
Rings of different sizes are connected to one another in the form of a spatial sphere that continues the spherical form of the bench. These annual rings arise above your head. Through this unique crown, light and air reach you, and your gaze is drawn into infinity.
The Obelisk — Aspiration
The obelisk rises upward, supported by a semicircle. The semicircle carries it. The top of the obelisk represents the height one must strive for in order to understand meaning or grasp truth. The obelisk does not stand alone — its outlining lines continue into other segments of the composition. Everything is interconnected.
The Steps — Path and Approach
Rounded steps lead upward and inward, as if drawing one closer to the height.
The Figure of Istvan Sky — A Charge of Positivity
The bronze Istvan is not elevated and not placed on a pedestal. His figure is at eye level. Istvan is an invitation, an encounter, a consolation. His posture is open; his arms, opened with love and sincerity, are ready to embrace you — and you can embrace him in return. Barefoot, he ascends the steps and seems to invite you to join him.
Music
In embodying Istvan in bronze, one cannot avoid his main calling — music. Sitting on the bench, you will hear Istvan’s singing. At its base, a wave sounds, arising from the deepest depths, moving along the roots of the tree, transforming into a low overtone bass and ending in loud, high notes that fly into infinity.
Preliminary Cost Estimate of the Composition
The cost of the project is based on three main factors: the cost of material, casting expenses, and 3D printing of sand molds.
In preparing the preliminary estimate, we assumed costs based on 1 metric ton of bronze.
Material Cost (Bronze)
1,000 kg × €25/kg = €25,000
Note: the pure market price of bronze (e.g. CuSn8) in January 2026 is approximately €16.37/kg. The price of €25/kg is realistic for high-quality casting material, including alloy surcharges.
Cost of 3D Printing Sand Molds
In industry, the price of 3D printing sand molds is usually calculated by build volume (liters/m³), not by weight.
Guideline: depending on complexity and supplier, 3D printing of sand molds costs approximately €2–€4 per liter.
For a casting weighing 1 ton, a significant mold volume is required. Assuming a mold ratio of 1:5 (1 part metal to 5 parts sand), this results in approximately 5,000 liters of mold volume.
Estimated cost: €10,000 – €20,000
Casting Costs (Services and Energy)
This includes melting, pouring, knockout, and rough cleaning of the casting.
Industrial guideline: casting services for large components often range from €5–€10 per kg of casting weight (excluding material).
We hope that Istvan will live not only in our memory, but also in this warm and peaceful place.
Invitation
If this project resonates with you, we invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.
Signature Collection
We are collecting signatures to help accelerate this project.
The Istvanplatz memorial project faces several challenges. One of them is the presence of telephone distribution cabinets in front of the site, which need to be removed. Additionally, official permission is required to install the Istvandukt memorial. To address these issues, various authorities must be contacted.
We believe that public support can positively influence these decisions. Therefore, we invite all admirers of Istvan’s creativity and philosophy, his students and followers, to add their signature. You may use one of the prepared forms or a blank sheet. Signed sheets can be sent by post. This signature entails no obligation — it is only for the history of Istvanplatz. You may write in any language. Thank you for your participation!
Address:
István Sky Home in Germany
Obere Silberstrasse 35/37
D-07973 Greiz
Germany
The creation of the memorial composition “Istvandukt” and the restoration of the Victor Dietel building are long-term cultural and community projects.
Any voluntary support helps bring them closer to realization.
We sincerely thank you!
Current fundraising status:
All funds are used exclusively for:
• procurement of materials
• production of molds
• bronze casting
• transportation
No expenses are allocated for marketing, administration, or ancillary purposes.
All contributions are voluntary and imply no obligations.
Material Donations
We also gratefully accept material donations. For the creation of the sculptures, scrap copper and tin are especially needed. If you can help, please contact us.
Location of Istvanplatz
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Interesting
Istvanplatz in front of the Victor Dietel apartment building in Greiz — a Istvan Sky memorial project.
Repair and restoration of bracket clock with a verge escapement, is activated by a fusee (snail) and chain.
Threading attachment for Schaublin 70 handmade 2016 by Alexander Babel.
Car-PC for Mercedes Е Klasse W211. Designed and manufactured 2014
Contact
Alexander Babel is autodidakt as designer, engineer, precision mechanic, toolmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.
