Luminarium – Daedalum
RCC
Review by Sarah List
Making their debut at the Adelaide Fringe after a pair of appearances at WOMAD, the Architects of Air have delivered a gorgeous, hand built experience in the form of Luminarium: Daedalum. Their website tells us that Daedlum takes its name from Daedalus from Greek mythology, who was the father of Icarus and the architect of the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete. A totally fitting name, considering the gorgeous curves and hiding spots of the Daedalum. The lighting within changes according to the time of day that the piece is visited, and is also artificially illuminated into red, green, blue and yellow zones, with a ‘tree’ zone and main dome inspired by “Rome’s Pantheon and the Gustave Doré drawing of angels circling heavenward in Dante’s paradise.”
Designed to house up to 80 transient guests, I’d estimate there were about 40 people within at our booked time, which was an absolutely perfect number to experience the quiet whispers and darkened corners of the space. There are countless pockets throughout either darkened or illuminated with panels reminiscent of stained glass, and most of these has a pair or more of visitors tucked into them. The design of the space allows you to hear the muffled whispers of the guests, but no clear conversation. It almost feels like you’re in the womb and can hear the people around you however unclearly. It also struck me of how it might feel in that in between space of not dead/not living perhaps in a coma or almost dead state where you might be aware of the people surrounding you, but are not able to clearly pick out who they are or what they are discussing. Or are you underwater? How will you interpret the space? The piped soundtrack adds ambience to an already ethereal experience. I walked out of here wishing we had these kinds of spaces at work to time out or meditate in.
A glorious place to reconnect with yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of the RCC.
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