City Sanctuary
A public space activation project, including glittering mosaic waterfall, multi-storey mural and street jewels. 2020.
City Sanctuary was comissioned by Uniting Communities a to create a welcoming space for the residents and visitors at U City on Franklin Street, Adelaide. The site includes an inner city garden and faces the popular Luigi Delicatessen.
Cities are not known for being magical places – the grid and the grey make connecting with the elements a tricky business. Creating a little enchanted space in the heart of the city has been a joy and a dream. A place for everyone - available whenever you need a dose of technicolour magic. The theme was inspired by the name “Penaluna” which is a hybrid Cornish-Italian name meaning “Hill of the Moon”.
“The moon is a loyal companion.
It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” –Tahereh Mafi
This project was made in three elements
1. Welcome Waterfall
A glittering sculptural mosaic piece of bright blue and green glass. It flows down the wall constructed from salvaged bricks from the former Maughan Church. Touchable and refreshing.
Made in collaboration with Violet Cooper
2. Jewels of the Past
Five pieces embedded in the laneway surface crafted from stained glass salvaged from the former site. The shapes are inspired by patterns evident in the Maughan Church architecture from the 1960s and 1860s. Intended for dancing and leaping.
3. City Sanctuary mural
A magical technicolour space for dreaming and reflection. And selfies.
You can explore the area yourself using Google Earth, and read a little more about this project on Aurelia's blog.