The precinct’s underground pedestrian link tunnel, Muru Giligu - meaning “Path of Light” in Sydney language – provides a space for captivating and immersive light and sound experiences below ground.
The name Muru Giligu evokes thoughts around Sky Country, navigation and star maps. The Gadigal read the movement of stars to know when ceremonies should take place, evoking their deep knowledge of Sky Country to navigate Ground Country. Muru Giligu speaks to the deep knowledge of Sky Country and the tradition of passing on knowledge from generation to generation through location activated storytelling.
Acting as an underground passageway for pedestrians passing between 1 Elizabeth and 39 Martin Place, Muru Giligu is currently exhibiting Electrolights’ light and sound piece, My Friend the Tunnel. Muru Giligu will also be lit up in different colours at certain times of year, as a part of 1 Elizabeth’s wider acknowledgement of nominated days of significance.
My Friend the Tunnel in Muru Giligu - Photography: Rohan Venn
My Friend the Tunnel is a dynamic light and sound creation. Each Sunday and Monday, a series of choreographed scenes provide an immersive and interactive experience which, via randomised selection and real-time location proximity triggers, offers visitors a unique experience as they move through the tunnel.
The installation draws from the site’s heritage and recent evolution into a space seemingly removed from the day-to-day environment of the Sydney CBD above. Muru Giligu’s form and scale create an absorbing space where light transforms geometry and perception. The work’s schedule of light compositions transition from morning to night and include a series of trigger scenes that are designed to appear to track movement through the length of the tunnel.
Photography: Rohan Venn
As visitor numbers change throughout the day, the tunnel responds with scenes evoking Sydney’s distinctive locale and character. At sunrise and sunset, the tunnel responds with a rendition of the sky above, accompanied by an ambient score.
The soundscape layers a series of ethereal and emotive audio compositions which accompany each scene. If visitors listen carefully, they may hear whispered messages amongst the ambient sounds relating to the site’s historic and geographical links to the Tank Stream.
Lead Artist/Lighting Designer: Electrolight
Sound Artist: Otto Reitano
Light & Audio Supply/Controls: Xenian
Light & Audio Programming: iion/David Hayes
Muru Giligu’s lighting and sound infrastructure combines a series of integrated LED lights and speakers with intelligent control software to transform the structure into a unique and immersive space.
Lighting Designer: Electrolight
Light & Audio Supply / Controls: Xenian
Light & Audio Programming: iion / David Hayes
Audio System Design: ARUP
Architect: Grimshaw Architects
