This project, the last and most
extensive phase of Geelong’s waterfront redevelopment, focuses on a 1-kilometre
waterfront precinct that since the decline of its port industries had long been
fragmented, disused and car dominated.Previously the waterfront was neglected as a
night-time public resource. Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Vision Design Studio, in
collaboration, sought to bring this bayside address back to the people. Not only does the
lighting provide a safe and welcoming environment, it becomes an attraction in its own
right.
To ensure an integrated outcome the lighting took its cues from the physical forms of
the landscape, the architecture and the water’s edge. Lighting was designed to
transform these elements by night into a different public experience. These elements
include the Promenade, the Harbour and Customs Park.
Wash lighting is used along the pedestrian promenade, to the special event area and to
the textured surfaces of Mark Stoner’s ‘North’ sculpture. Uplighting is
used to emphasise the Washington Palms and Coastal Banksia, and fibreoptics have been used
in the formal water feature adjacent to the Customs building.
Brass ‘Cargo Boxes’ designed by Maggie Fooke and Bill Perrin are scattered
throughout the customs building forecourt, lit from within like giant lanterns by night.
By day, they double as seats and display cases for colonial cultural artefacts.
