Broken Hill - Line of Light

Electrolight has worked alongside Allen Jack + Cottier with the NSW Government Architect’s Office to develop a renewal strategy for downtown Broken Hill.

Broken Hill is an isolated mining city in the far west of outback New South Wales, Australia.

The resulting draft strategy forms part of Broken Hill Heritage City – Living Museum and Perfect Light Project – an initiative from Council to foster creativity, inclusion and innovation including a film studio, state of the art conference facilities and festival venues.
The project aims to restore Argent Street to its rightful place in the social fabric of the nation – uniting residents with visitors in Australia’s first National heritage city.

An inspiration for the lighting design was the unique quality of light found at Broken Hill with its startling clarity during the day and expansive black skies at night.

A key element of the draft strategy is Electrolight’s Line of Light which creates an innovative lighting artwork, using reflection to create a landscape that is familiar yet hauntingly surreal.  Beautiful by day and by night, the illuminated cable provides a dynamic physical connection from Argent Street to the spiritual heart of the city – the Line of Lode.

Reflective silver mirrors on the slope of the Line of Lode reflect the Line of Light at night and the sky during the day. The Line of Light continues down the centre of Argent St providing street lighting during normal operation. Full RGB colour change capability allows thousands of unique lighting scenes and effects to be created for specific seasons, events and festivals.