Project Overview

The collaboration between Glowing Structures, ARM Architecture, and the Geelong Arts Community aimed to create a space marrying tradition and innovation, emphasizing fun, longevity, and flexibility. Our lighting design played a central role in seamlessly merging cultural heritage, artistic expression, and technological advancements, fostering an environment that not only illuminates but also inspires and engages.

Project Commissioner

ARM

Project Creator

Glowing Structures

Team

CLIENT: Geelong Arts Centre & Development Victoria
ARCHITECT: ARM Architecture

Project Brief

By embracing a flexible approach, the brief was to provide the installation with the ability to transform itself to respond to the multitude of future events to be held at the center.

The lighting is more than just a static element within a space—it becomes a dynamic force that shapes the way we experience our environment. From modular lighting fixtures that can be rearranged to suit different configurations to dynamic lighting controls that respond to user input, flexibility empowers the client to create spaces that are as versatile as they are enchanting.

Understanding the significance of the location as a storytelling hub and a connection to spirit and land, our team aimed to design lighting solutions that would not only meet but exceed these expectations.

Project Innovation/Need

By paying homage to ancestral traditions, celebrating artistic ingenuity, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing adaptability, the lighting design illuminates more than just spaces; it illuminates the very essence of culture and identity.

The highly Instagrammable ‘tunnel’ was inspired by the original waterways that passed through the site, a source of life and fun for the indigenous population in its time. We have also incorporated indigenous motifs to site-specific installations that pay homage to sacred landscapes, each creation becomes a work of art that speaks to the soul and encourages interaction, passing on the story to future generations.

This project stands as a beacon of innovation, addressing the need for spaces that resonate with emotion, inspire communities, and provide flexibility. From immersive experiences to adaptive controls, the lighting solutions designed transform environments into vibrant narratives.

Design Challenge

With a project of such scale and the input of those with a vested interest ranging from local councils, state government, creative designers, and an excited client, a few challenges and obstacles had to be overcome along the way, as it is and always will be in our industry.

As with most projects, budget was a challenge. We strive to provide the most unique and amazing installation to surpass the client’s wildest expectations; however, this is limited to a budget. We successfully achieved the desired outcome by carefully manipulating the budget in ways to hold firm on elements that were fundamental while reviewing and accepting a compromise in other areas that were less significant.

The scale of the team involved was much larger than a ‘typical’ project. The various stakeholders, operators, advisors, and creatives all had varying levels of input and influence. Managing the multitude of expectations and diverse briefs presented a considerable challenge, yet the outcome has been met with overall satisfaction from all parties involved.

Further challenges including the need for innovative solutions and the difficulty of concealing luminaires while achieving the desired design intent. However, overcoming these obstacles proved both challenging and rewarding, resulting in a successful implementation of our vision.

Sustainability

A strong emphasis on sustainability was employed, ensuring all lighting was fully programmable, dimmable, and versatile. Factors such as reducing power consumption and minimizing maintenance played significant roles in deciding on the specification. Specifying efficient luminaires was another significant factor in reducing the carbon footprint of the installation.

By selecting more efficient luminaires, efficacies were quite high, resulting in fewer luminaires required to achieve the desired effect, thus minimizing visual clutter and the overall budget. This win-win-win situation ultimately benefits the planet.

Lighting Design

This award celebrates creative and innovative lighting design or effects in indoor or outdoor spaces.
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