Smiling cloud and tree house proposed for Australian Technology Park

A smiling cloud emitting LED raindrops and an interactive tree house are two giant pieces of public art proposed for the Australian Technology Park.

The cloud artwork has been deisgned by Sydney-based Nell

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A smiling cloud emitting LED raindrops and an interactive tree house are two giant pieces of public art proposed for the Australian Technology Park.

Mirvac, who bought the park in 2014, has proposed the combined $1 million pieces as part of its public art strategy.

The so-called “happy cloud” will be on one of the site’s tallest buildings and visible from all around.

The smiling LED cloud will have seven raindrops of varying sizes down the length of the building.

It has been designed by award-winning Maitland-born artist Nell who has exhibited in galleries all around the world.

The tree house proposed for the park

The tree house is said to have human-like features

She said it inspires a sense of “joy and wonder” adding: “This simple and universally recognisable imagery invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between weather, environment and mood, as well as the constancy of the natural world within and around our built environments.

“The use of a smile in a form often reserved for sadness gives a sense of optimism and hope.”

She concludes: “Workers and community passing through the site as part of their daily routine will come to know the smiling cloud’s face as it welcomes them, day and night, rain and shine.”

The tree house has been designed by Sydney collective Cave Urban.

There is planned to be two tree houses connected by a walkway.

The cloud artwork will be lit up at night

The designers state the tree houses will both offer a different perspective of the area and also a different way to navigate the site.

The structures are also intended to be anthropomorphic (to have human-like features).

“The structures each have a face, spirit, and personality; people will come to know and relate to these faceplaces,” the designers state. “They speak to something simple and primal in the adult psyche – a yearning for the natural, optimistic, safe and playful.

“Directly referencing the bays of the Australian Technology Park, the forms look as though they have come alive, stood up on their steel legs and walked over to the Eveleigh Green, becoming slowly entwined with their more natural environment over time.”

The tree houses at night

The tree houses will also light up at night.

Real estate giant Mirvac is planning to install the public works as part of its 2016 approval for the redevelopment of the site.

Two other works are proposed as part of its public art strategy. There is a planned ‘Indigenous Welcome’ artwork near to Redfern Station and a Central Pavilion which is proposed to be used for performances and cultural programs.

The public artwork plans, submitted to City of Sydney council, will be decided on in the coming months.

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