The mesmerising journey through Arborialis
Oscar Zhang | 3-mins read | 20 Jul 2023
Thinking of something to do after a delicious dinner at Shobosho on a Saturday night, my mates and I decided to immerse ourselves in the therapeutic experience that is Architects of Air: Arborialis. Located in Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka and nestled amidst Illuminate Adelaide’s impressively diverse offerings this year, this unique and intriguing exhibit emerged in the realms of nature and technology.
Founded by Alan Parkinson and based in Nottingham (UK), Architects of Air presents a series of luminous, inflatable sculptures that combine intricate architecture with radiant light, transporting visitors into a realm of kaleidoscopic colours and immersive mazes. Each structure is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of childlike wonder and exploration, where visitors of all ages can lose themselves in a mesmerising interplay of light and space.
“I design luminaria because I want to share my sense of wonder at the phenomenon of light. A luminarium provides the frame for an encounter with a light whose surprising and simple intensity cuts through conditioned perception.”
- Alan Parkinson.
Upon entering the entrance dome of the exhibit, we were greeted with a relaxing soundtrack featuring some of the world’s most untouched ecosystems and a very friendly staff member who gave us a more in-depth explanation of the piece. Although intense, the monolithic dome structure evenly distributed the ambient sounds, offering a sense of tranquillity. Following this, we were led into the exhibit, which features four primary domes interconnected by ‘Tree’ mazes. Each soaring dome and winding passageway within the ‘Tree’ section features a different natural geometric pattern and colour on its vast ceilings, all designed to pair with the acoustics within the exhibit.
Note: When you get the chance, stand in the centre of one of the primary domes and talk to the top of the dome. This is where you can truly experience the magic!
After exploring all the domes and forests in the exhibit, we chose to sit down and relax in one of the pods in the “Green Tree” section. We were impressed by how the ambience and repose of the soundtrack beautifully harmonised with the colours illuminated throughout the exhibit. The enchanting and therapeutic atmosphere also allowed us to reflect on the fragility of our ecosystem and our responsibility to protect it.
Overall, for $18, Architects of Light: Arborialis is on the cheaper end of the paid exhibits that Illuminate Adelaide offers, but is one of the more worthwhile to go to exhibits, suitable for all ages. Arborialis serves as a testament to the power of art in conveying meaningful messages, leaving a lasting impact on its visitors and instilling a newfound appreciation for the beauty and significance of the natural world. We were awestruck and enlightened by the exhibition, but it also induced a sense of tranquillity with its stunning visual display and mesmerising world of nature-inspired air sculptures. On the map brochure, it says “Enter and be amazed…”; amazed I was indeed. If Architects of Light chooses to exhibit another piece in the future in Adelaide, I will be back.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When:
Sat 01 - Sun 23 July, Daily from 11am
Last Entry:
8.30pm Sun - Thu
10pm Fri - Sat
Where:
Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka
Corner of Rundle Road and East Terrace
Tickets:
General Admission - $18.00
Groups 4+ - $15.00 (price per person)
2 years and under - FREE (a $0.00 ticket is required for entry)
Buy your tickets here
