Illumicube
Artist
Kerry Simpson
Medium
Glass and programable LED lighting
District
Civic
Acquired
1988
artsACT
Illumicube was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ACTEA, Canberra’s electricity and water provider. The Cube was designed by Kerry Simpson who, at the time, was the Senior Lighting Standards Officer for ACTEA.
Illumicube was originally installed at the intersection of Ainslie Ave and London Circuit, opposite Civic Square. It is made from 570 glass bricks and edged in stainless steel panels. The Cube was filled with 30 coloured spotlights that responded to the sounds around it. The sound activation technology changed the lighting colours based on the pitch/tone and volume of the sounds. This led to the Canberra community engaging with it in various forms. Cars would drive past and toot their horns, kids would yell at it, buskers would perform close by and have their own light show accompanying their music.
As more residential properties were constructed in Civic, the cacophony of car horns late at night became an issue to nearby residents. The sound activation component was turned off. In 2007 it was relocated to its current location at the intersection of Ainslie Ave and Cooyong Street.
In 2024, Illumicube underwent a major refurbishment to install 570 individually programable LED lights, each with a full spectrum colour range. The cube layout creates a 10x10 pixel canvas for programming patterns and designs. The lighting and control system are linked to the cloud to allow for programming and control of the lighting to happen remotely.
The new technology allows for greater programming, design options and public interaction, more in keeping with the artist’s original intent.
" I am very excited that in retirement I will experience the revitalization of my creation, and my grandchildren can share the joy their parents experienced as part of my inspiration when it was first turned on. The new LED pixel approach is bringing to life my original vision, and I am sure the original public enthusiasm will be restored."
Kerry Simpson, July 2024
Illumicube lights up every night 30 minutes before sunset until 1:00am.
The 2024 refurbishment and lighting upgrade was completed by Dan Lorrimer (Ferro Forma) and Sound Advice.
Kerry Simpson
Illumicube, 1988
Glass bricks and programable LED lighting
Intersection of Ainslie Ave and Cooyong Street, Civic