Shelter of Hollows
Mikala Dwyer
Client: Macquarie Group
Location: 1 Elizabeth St Sydney
2024
Role: Structural engineering, fabrication, and installation.
Overview:
Shelter of Hollows is a monumental suspended sculpture by acclaimed Australian artist Mikala Dwyer, commissioned as a centerpiece for 1 Elizabeth Street in Sydney’s CBD. Floating above the ground floor atrium, the work evokes the organic forms of subterranean tunnels and natural cavities, drawing inspiration from the underground rail infrastructure and the restored Tom Bass fountain situated below.
Constructed from materials such as copper, stainless steel, glass, and adorned with gold and silver leaf, the sculpture references both the natural world and the resources extracted from the earth that underpin urban development. Its earthen materials—ceramics, metal, and glass—are reminiscent of trains and stations, embodying the substance of wheels, machines, windows, and long tiled walls.
Our Involvement:
Event Engineering collaborated closely with Mikala Dwyer to bring Shelter of Hollows to life. Our team was responsible for the structural engineering, fabrication, and installation of the sculpture. This involved detailed load assessments, structural modeling, and ensuring compliance with safety and engineering standards within the constraints of the building’s architecture.
The project demanded innovative solutions to suspend the substantial structure securely above a bustling public space, ensuring both the artwork’s integrity and public safety. Our engineers and fabricators worked meticulously to realize Dwyer’s vision, translating complex organic forms into a tangible, enduring installation.
The installation process was featured in Sydney’s Super Tunnel (SBS, Season 2, Episode 4), with behind-the-scenes insights from our directors and technicians. Watch here: https://www.sbs.com.au/
Project Impact:
Shelter of Hollows contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of 1 Elizabeth Street, fostering a dialogue between contemporary art and urban infrastructure. By integrating art into the architectural environment, the project enhances the public’s experience of the space, inviting reflection on the interplay between natural forms and the built environment.
The sculpture’s presence not only enriches the aesthetic of the precinct but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating spaces that resonate with both functionality and artistic expression.
Photography: Brett Boardman
Read more about this artwork:
https://www.1elizabeth.com.au/the-precinct/public-art/mikala-dwyer.html
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