The stunning ‘Nest‘ installation at the Vivid Sydney festival featured the robust Global Truss F54 Square Truss. Designed by Aldo Fabrizio in conjunction with Building Blocks worked with artists Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, to create this captivating installation at Barangaroo which drew the attention of festival goers, blending into the city’s skyline while standing out as a remarkable feature.
Engineering and Artistry
Utilising a custom F54 Square Radial Truss to form an expansive circular structure, measuring an impressive 16.5 metres in width, and reaching up to 7.2 metres in height due to a 1.2-metre slope from one side to the other. Covered with customised Lycra socks, the truss remained hidden from view, creating a stable framework. This design choice ensured that the structure blended effortlessly with its cityscape surroundings while providing reliable and safe support for the artistic vision.
“The structure came together smoothly and easily thanks to the team of professionals engaged on this project. Kieren from Tri-Point Rigging Solutions were engaged to do the rigging for all Vivid installations, TDC for graphic projections and special thanks to Chameleon Touring Systems who helped make this installation a reality,” said Aldo Fabrizio.
A Dance of Nature
Central to the ‘Nest‘ installation is a mesmerising projection of the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of Australia’s native crane species. This elegant and graceful dance is projected onto a transparent surface, creating the illusion of large bird apparitions floating in the air. The projections, visible from both inside and outside the structure, provide a captivating experience that celebrates the beauty of nature. Visitors immersed themselves in the hypnotic movements of the Brolgas, inviting reflection on the deep connection between humans and nature. The ‘Nest’ serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships within the natural world, encouraging viewers to appreciate and protect these delicate ecosystems.
Celebrating Artistic Collaboration
Aldo Fabrizio’s design for the ‘Nest’ installation beautifully complemented the artistic vision of Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban. The collaborative effort also involved contributions from:
- James Roden (Australia)
- Feathered Friends Sanctuary (Australia)
- Chris Bryan (Australia)
- Photoplay Films (Australia)
- Florence Tourbier (Australia)
- Ravi Wasan (Australia)
- Jackson Milas (Australia)
- Sonar Music (Australia)
The intricate build of the ‘Nest’ highlights the capabilities of F54 Square Truss and the expertise involved in its construction. The combined efforts of artists, designers, and technical experts have resulted in a stunning installation that captivates and inspires. As visitors engaged with the ‘Nest’, they were invited to let their imaginations take flight while remaining grounded in the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
