The Hive is inspired by the Fibonacci spiral and the highly social nature of bees. Designed by amigo & amigo, the Sydney-based studio is passionate about lighting and experimental forms, and uses light and materials to transform spaces and engage the public. The studio's other works have been featured outside the Opera House for Sydney’s Chinese New Year and Vivid Light Festival for the last four consecutive years.
The interactive work uses proximity sensors to determine how close people are to the light globes. The more people present, and the closer they are to the artwork, the more vibrant the colours and animation will become.
The four-week installation is one of a number of events and installations to maintain public activity on the site to continue in attracting people to the East End during the demolition and redevelopment of the seven hectare site.
"Opening up the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site to the public as quickly as possible is one of the state government’s priorities for what is arguably the most prominent development site in Australia." - John Hanlon, Chief Executive, Renewal SA
More than 60 groups and organisations have put forward proposals to activate the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site with further announcements to be made in the near future.
Other lighting installations have also been installed on the heritage buildings along North Terrace as part of the activation of the site.
The first stage of the redevelopment will involve the demolition of obsolete buildings and the return of more than two hectares to public open space adjacent to the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Hoardings have also been erected around the East Wing building, which will be one of the first to be demolished when works start within weeks.
The state government has begun an international search for a permanent luxury hotel to be built on the site, with global hotel chains and qualified organisations invited to make submissions to develop and operate a 5-star hotel.
Expressions of interest in repurposing the retained heritage buildings are currently being worked through, and a world-class team to design the proposed Adelaide Contemporary Gallery project is being sought.
Additionally, the state government is seeking a design team to begin work on the urban landscape.
Other activities planned include transforming the former hospital’s helipad into a luxury camping hotel, pending planning and commercial feasibility.
"The vision for the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site is to create a must-see tourist and business destination to enhance our reputation as an urban innovator." - Andrew McEvoy, Chairman of the Adelaide Riverbank Authority Board of Management
The Hive will be open to the public nightly from 7.30pm to midnight for four weeks.
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