Artists: Alison Page, Charlie Chan
Designer: Tilt Industrial Design
Location: Sydney, NSW
Symphony of the Dreaming, part of Vivid Sydney, is an immersive installation that unites light, sound, and story in a powerful sensory experience. Created by Dharawal and Yuin artist Alison Page in collaboration with creative technologist and composer Charlie Chan, the work transforms First Nations narratives into dynamic light patterns inspired by Australian ecologies. These are set against a live-generated soundscape drawn from decades of natural recordings and shaped by real-time weather data.
The installation’s layered artistic vision required a robust, discreet structural system in order to not draw attention away from artwork.
Partridge provided structural engineering for the installation, working closely with our client, Tilt. Engaged by the Museum of Sydney, Tilt led the curatorial and design consultancy and managed the fabrication and assembly of the sculptural, lighting, and audio elements. The Tilt team collaborated with Alison Page to refine the design and materials, developing prototypes before finalising the powder-coated chrome aluminium columns. Tilt laser-cut the artist’s patterns, integrated the LED lighting, and worked with DarkHouse and 2 Barrows to deliver the lighting systems and concrete bases.
We worked with Tilt to ensure the columns could withstand wind loads, public interaction, and the forces from the catenary system suspended above. The design brief called for a minimal base that would remain visually recessive while providing the necessary structural strength.
During installation, a truck-mounted crane was needed to position the heavy elements. We assessed the loading on the Museum of Sydney’s concourse slab, advising on limits to avoid any damage during crane operation.
By balancing structural integrity with aesthetic sensitivity, we helped bring Symphony of the Dreaming to life, ensuring it was not only evocative and immersive but also safe and sound.
https://www.vividsydney.com/event/light/symphony-of-the-dreaming
https://mhnsw.au/whats-on/exhibitions/symphony-of-the-dreaming
