The Victorian government is calling for artists to submit ideas for lighting shows that will illuminate Melbourne’s new Rectangular Stadium.
The structure, which is covered in thousands of tiny LEDs that can be programmed into a myriad patterns and colours, was designed by COX Architects, with engineering assistance from Arup and Norman Disney and Young.
The lighting shows will need to be structured around key themes, including the landscape, precinct and indigenous local stories, the rituals, anticipation and excitement of the players and patrons, a sense of celebration, and the stadium as home to Melbourne’s soccer and rugby clubs.
The $200-million boutique rugby and soccer stadium will have a capacity over 30,000 and feature a 'bio-frame' roof design providing extensive seat coverage and excellent spectator sight lines.
The lightweight steel design based on the inherent structural efficiencies of the geodesic dome, which allow for 50 per cent less steel than a typical cantilever roof structure.
This structure is skinned in a triangular panelised facade made up of a combination of glass, metal and louvres.
Major projects minister, Tim Pallas, said the call for artists to provide lighting ideas for the stadium was a fantastic opportunity to be part of the new Melbourne icon.
“The stadium … is causing enormous excitement and the feature lighting is going to take it to a completely different level,” Pallas said.
“The light shows will need to inspire excitement and pride as well as tangibly connecting the project with Melbourne’s sporting and cultural heritage,” he said.
More information can be found at the Major Projects Victoria website, www.mpv.vic.gov.au and expressions of interests must be lodged by Friday 4 December 2009.
