Laura Woodward with Jem Freeman and Like Butter Pty Ltd
Commissioned by DKO Architecture, Probuild, and developer Hiap Hoe (Singapore) through Andy Dinan Art Consulting, for Marina Tower, Docklands Melbourne.
Location: 8 Pearl River Road, Docklands Melbourne
Optic fibre, LEDs, video, electronic components, aluminium
75m x 7m x 1m.
In MURMUR, 20,000 small points of light create an amorphous, amoeba-like “cloud” of light that weaves through the architectural space, a delightful, uplifting, intimate and responsive installation. The light-cloud is animated; forms seem to roll through it, generated from shifts in the brightness of each individual light-point. Volumetric animations flow through this cloud, inspired by naturally occurring patterns such as ocean currents, storm formations, wind movements, and flocking behaviour; those natural forces that are ever-present in our urban environments. At times, Murmur moves intensely, brightnesses converging and then dissolving in seconds, reminiscent of New Quay’s history as a bustling port. At other times, the lighting shifts gently, gradually rolling through the lane-way in textural patterns. Waves of light that start at each end of the lane tantalise passers-by to wander in, following the light forms and in doing so discovering the lane-way itself.
Responding to the tower’s architecture, MURMUR weaves its way through the lane, sweeping around columns and folding into nooks. In its vast and dramatic scale, multiple interpretations, integration with the architecture, and site-specificity, the overall impact of MURMUR is uplifting. At points, the light-form hovers tantalisingly just out of reach, whilst at others it soars up to meet the glazed ceiling; inviting curiosity, engagement, lightness, and joy for hotel guests, local residents and the general public.
Electrical engineering: Tekt Industries.
Optic fibre supply and consultation: Fibre Optic Cable Pty Ltd.
Artwork electrician: Simon Boucher Electrical Contracting.
Images 1 and 2 by Tom Blachford, images 3 to 7 by Jem Freeman.