Tunnels are the latest venue for an immersive experience The NorthConnex tunnel is a new nine-kilometer long road tunnel in Sydney, Australia. It is the longest road tunnel in the country and the first to be equipped with an innovative lighting system that merges art with technology to keep drivers alert and engaged. The lighting system, awarded the lALD Award of Excellence, was designed by Lux Populi and features a variety of elements, including:
The entrance to the tunnel isn't adorned with traditional art or routine lighting structures. Instead, it features a flock of birds made of mirrors that reflect the changing colors of the sky throughout the day. With about a thousand birds in place, each mounted on a custom armature to determine its unique angle, the design is both intricate and strategic. Every bird is angled to reflect the sky without casting sunlight directly into drivers' eyes.
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A flock of reflective birds that change depending on the sky that they reflect from above.
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A canopy of trees that appear to be reaching over the tunnel walls.
On days when the sky is blue, the birds echo that azure hue. On cloudier days, they might take on a whiter shade, and when the skies darken, they turn into black silhouettes.
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A starry sky that creates the illusion of driving through an outback highway.
The design's true beauty lies in its complete reliance on natural light and lack of external energy. This creates a visually captivating and net-zero art piece.
The lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but it's also functional. An attention management system breaks up the monotony of driving through a tunnel to help drivers stay alert. Different colors and patterns of light are designed to be visually stimulating without being distracting. The lighting system helps to improve visibility for drivers, reduces glare, and saves energy, and the system's low maintenance design helps keep costs down over the 31-year contract. 34
Reflective Flight
designing lighting
Apart from the art’s aesthetic appeal, the client primarily benefits from reduced energy consumption and maintenance. Unlike conventional lighting fixtures that demand consistent electricity and periodic replacements, this design is nearly maintenance-free.
Ensuring Safety The beauty and innovation of this design didn't come without challenges. The potential risk of these birds reflecting sunlight