Tilt Industrial Design Delivers Innovative Light Sculpture for Parramatta’s Newest Build to Rent Development

Leading Australian design practice Tilt Industrial Design have, in collaboration with artists Milne | Stonehouse delivered a unique sculptural light installation for ‘Charlie Parker’, Parramatta’s newest build-to-rent development.

Installed in the building entrance’s soffit ceiling, the artwork entitled Cloud Seeds was conceived by artists Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse who partnered with Tilt on their submission. Inspired by the rich agricultural history of the Parramatta region, it comprises a collection of delicately handmade porcelain plants and seeds suspended in 125 cast acrylic lenses that are illuminated with golden light.

Rooted in the area’s history, the installation recognises the importance of agriculture to First Nations inhabitants and later generations of colonial settlers, while celebrating the future — with the variety of seed species evoking the diversity of Parramatta’s growing community.

Providing an engaging welcome for residents, the artwork is visible from the street, drawing curiosity from passers-by and connecting the development to the public realm.

The artist team of Milne | Stonehouse and Tilt were selected by public art curators Authority Creative for their bold and unique vision that responded to the social, cultural and environmental influences in the region — enhancing the building’s aesthetic and creating a striking streetscape. Tilt’s role was primarily design and project delivery — developing the concept through detailed design, overseeing structural engineering, prototyping, manufacturing and installation, whilst administering the contract on behalf of the team.

Prototyping and testing of individual components, processes, and assemblies in Tilt’s workshop was paramount in developing a successful product design outcome for this unique installation. Testing of the casting process and of lighting effects ensured the final design achieved both practical and artistic ambitions alike.

Reflecting on their role in the collaboration with Milne | Stonehouse, Tilt’s Managing and Creative Director Tim Phillips commented, “When we form a team to design and deliver public art projects, we work closely with the artists to ensure their original vision is honoured. For Cloud Seeds, we were involved from the project’s inception, and through our close working closely with the artists were able to ensure the unique story would be effectively told through a technically complex but visually refined outcome.”

“Enhancing the site and contributing to its identity in a thoughtful and meaningful way was critical. A significant part of our role was to ensure that the project struck a balance between artistic merit, design and engineering detail, manufacturing compliance, and installation ease.”

Understanding this mix of priorities, Tilt’s experience and technical expertise saw them work closely with the architects FJC, multiple engineers and fabricators to ensure the sculptures would seamlessly integrate into the building.

For Milne | Stonehouse, ensuring that the artwork’s original intention and meaning was realised was critical.

When conceptualising the artwork, Milne | Stonehouse considered the parallels of the emerging communities that contribute to the unique character of the city and the importance of its cultural and environmental history explored in the germination of seeds and plant cultivation.

Susan Milne, Arist and Co-Founder of Milne | Stonehouse hopes the presence of the sculptural light will stimulate viewers to discover more about its presence in the Charlie Parker building.

“Whilst complex in detail, Cloud Seeds floats seamlessly as a welcoming gesture to the building. Through the installation, we hope to inspire the local community to consider the role they can play as stewards of the natural environment, as well as their role in fostering an inclusive culture within their community.”

“Tilt played a crucial role in the creative development and practical realisation of the project. Requiring rigorous workshopping, Tilt, throughout the project remained committed to nurturing our artistic vision to realise the artwork in imaginative ways.”

Christopher Skyner, Art Consultant at Authority Creative added:

“Having worked with Tilt on a number of projects previously, we knew that having them on the project team meant we could trust and ensure a successful outcome for our client, Coronation Property. From prototyping and testing to installation and assemblage consultations, Tilt ensured that the artwork would satisfy the necessary considerations, while still maintaining the integrity and desired look from the artist.”

Taking pride of place in this important new building that will house members of Parramatta’s growing community, Cloud Seeds demonstrates the best of what public art can be — an exciting presence that stimulates and celebrates the everyday experience of the public in these spaces.

With Parramatta fast becoming Sydney’s new beating heart, Cloud Seeds enhances one of the area’s most exciting new developments – injecting it with real personality and character.”