Multidisciplinary design studio RAMUS unveils one of their largest artworks to date, a massive 42-storey façade of light that pulsates to inspire repose in Melbourne’s busy CBD.
This new work called Still Light graces the new 80 Collins Street development that towers above Melbourne’s skyline.
Featuring 1,136 metres of light and hours of visual content, the work radiates gently to encourage a slower rhythm in the CBD, evoking a sense that the architecture is moving.
Bruce Ramus, Artistic Director, RAMUS said: “Still Light brings a calming energy. It slows the pace and gently beckons people back into the CBD.”
Still Light was inspired by naturally occurring moments of light seen in the gas lamps that historically lined Collins Street.
The light patterns in the façade reflect and refract like facets of a cut diamond.
When examined carefully, the artwork displays low-resolution animation with each individual light fixture programmed by RAMUS’ creative team.
As the light pattern moves, it shifts the buildings’ appearance in ways that balance the scale of the skyscraper with an intimacy that can be felt for kilometres.
RAMUS’ custom-built software platform called CORE controls each light fixture and integrates the content into a dynamic self-adjusting schedule that allows the building to respond to the different rhythms of the city.
The work is mounted on the inner layer of the façade, with each light integrated into the frame of the glazing, creating a sense of the building itself being a light fixture.
When that fixture turns on, the whole building starts to move, or so it seems.
Bruce Ramus added, “Light can be seen as a material, like steel and concrete. It can be an integral part of the architectural form.”
“We thought about the new tower being a beacon, creating a warm glow over an entire city block,” says Peter Miglis, Woods Bagot, Principal and Regional Design Leader Australia.
Still Light is now live, lighting up Melbourne’s CBD skyline every night.
Project Team
Client
QIC
Created in 1991 by the Queensland government to serve its long-term investment responsibilities, QIC has grown into a leading long-term specialist manager in alternatives.
Dexus
Dexus owns, manages, and creates high quality workplaces across the office, industrial, retail and healthcare sectors.
Their properties are located in the central business districts of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth in Australia.
Architecture
Woods Bagot
Woods Bagot is a global architectural and consulting practice founded in Adelaide, South Australia.
Lighting/Media Architecture Design + Content
Ramus
Ramus is an award-winning design studio led by founder and Light Artist Bruce Ramus. Bruce has been creating immersive light experiences for decades.
Starting as a designer and director of grand-scale, theatrical light experiences in the entertainment realm, Bruce now creates compelling, beautiful site-specific artworks that reflect the essence and natural rhythms of people.
Construction
Multiplex
Multiplex is a leading global construction company and that has been bringing large-scale, complex structures to life for over half a century. Their approach is client-focused, personal, and highly responsive.
Building Services Engineers
AECOM
AECOM is the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges.
Photo Gallery
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Lighting Design © 2021 Ramus. All Rights Reserved.
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