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Casambi Lighting Transforms Sydney Olympic Park's "Figtree" Public Art Installation

Updated: Mar 20

Sydney Olympic Park's apartment and build-to-rent development was enhanced with a stunning public art installation, "Figtree," a testament to the area's natural beauty. Inspired by the iconic Port Jackson Fig trees, presented a unique lighting challenge that was expertly solved with Casambi smart lighting technology.


Artist Jade Oakley's "Figtree" is a masterpiece of hand-forged copper and thermoformed, hand-painted acrylic, designed to emulate the unique flora of the region. The installation, featuring twisting copper ribbons and delicate, movable petals, required a lighting solution that could adapt to its intricate design and the artist's specific vision.



Artist Jade Oakley
Artist - Jade Oakley.


To achieve this, Casambi-enabled dimmers were chosen, allowing for independent control of each luminaire. This flexibility was crucial, enabling individual tuning of each petal in close collaboration with Jade Oakley. As Jade eloquently stated, 'Inspired by the two magnificent Port Jackson Fig trees at the entrance to the Pavilions, Figtree is made from a series of copper ribbons that twist up the walls, and curve into an arbour. The hand painted petals represent the figs which uniquely contain the fig tree flowers within them. The petals are balanced and able to move with the breeze, and the copper has been lovingly hand-textured to resemble the pitted, furrowed bark of the fig trees.'   


The Port Jackson Fig tree, a symbol of Sydney's original ecosystem, served as the primary inspiration for "Figtree." The installation's craftsmanship, brought to life by blacksmith Lok Sutherland and scene painter Mikey Wolfe, highlights the dedication to detail and artistry.   


By implementing Casambi's wireless lighting control, the project ensured seamless integration of the art installation's lighting, independent of the building's standard controls. This allowed for precise adjustments, enhancing the artwork's visual impact and ensuring it resonated with the artist's intent.


This project exemplifies the power of smart lighting solutions in enhancing public spaces and artistic expressions. Casambi's adaptability and user-friendly interface made it the perfect choice for this unique installation, demonstrating how advanced technology can seamlessly blend with artistic vision.


Credit:

Artist: Jade Oakley

Art Producer: Public Artworks

Developer: Mirvac Residential

Photographer: Quentin Jones







Hand-forged copper and thermoformed, hand-painted acrylic, designed to emulate the unique flora of the region.
Hand-forged copper and thermoformed, hand-painted acrylic, designed to emulate the unique flora of the region.

The installation, featuring twisting copper ribbons and delicate, movable petals, required a lighting solution that could adapt to its intricate design and the artist's specific vision.
The installation, featuring twisting copper ribbons and delicate, movable petals, required a lighting solution that could adapt to its intricate design and the artist's specific vision.

The Port Jackson Fig tree, a symbol of Sydney's original ecosystem, served as the primary inspiration for "Figtree."
The Port Jackson Fig tree, a symbol of Sydney's original ecosystem, served as the primary inspiration for "Figtree."


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