For our very first episode of the podcast series 'Exploring industrial design and architecture' we’re going to go back to where it all began for Tilt – The Heliostat at One Central Park. Emily Wombwell, SJB's Studio Director, talks to Tilt's Tim Phillips about the industrial design process behind 'The Heliostat' and the delivery of one of the most remarkable architectural features of One Central Park.

Almost 8 years on, during a routine maintenance visit, Emily and Tim discuss the design and materiality, the complex delivery and the transfer of existing technology into a new market – the largest in the world used in an urban environment. Frasers’ Michael Goldrick also provides insights into how the development began and the architectural intention.

In this episode, we take a look at Atelier Jean Nouvel’s award-winning design, and the project that inspired Tilt managing director Tim Phillips to expand his traditional industrial design practice into the built environment.

The heliostat, a large cantilever of glass panels that protrudes from the side of OCP’s tallest tower, capturing and redirecting light into the park precinct and retail atrium below, allowing for areas that would be otherwise overshadowed by the towers, to receive light year round.

Tilt brought the concept to life by combining solar farm technology with engineering and industrial design methodologies to not only prove the feasibility of the project, but also to design, construct, install and manage the maintenance of the concept for perpetuity.

About the hosts

Emily Wombwell is Studio Director of SJB and cofounder of Perspectives, a speaker series focusing on design and creativity in all forms. A well-respected emerging voice in the Australian design community, Emily has the passion and knowledge to expertly draw on the challenges of complex projects and deliver a compelling story.

Michael Goldrick is the former Development Director for Frasers Property Australia, and Development Director on the One Central Park project.

Tim Phillips, Tilt’s Managing Director, is a highly regarded industrial designer consulting for architects, creatives and the construction industry with extensive experience in architectural projects.

Listen to the podcast.