asif khan illuminates melbourne's federation square with radiant lines

asif khan illuminates melbourne’s federation square with radiant lines
all images by patrick rodriguez / courtesy of asif khan

in the middle of melbourne’s federation square, british architect asif khan has installed ‘radiant lines’ to commence the light in winter festival. the large-scale public piece is comprised of forty rings of raw aluminum, wrapping in a concentric composition in the space. the ringed beams form a dynamic layering effect and animate the public site around which it is situated. illuminated at dusk, the work is activated by the audience, lighting up when individual visitors cross thresholds around the square.

forty rings of raw aluminum wrap in the center of the space

khan describes ‘as architects we find ourselves envious of the deftness of touch an artist can employ to achieve both weight and lightness simultaneously on paper. here for our first australian project we’re exploring the experience of line quality through volume and form.‘ khan’s recurring themes of line, rhythm, velocity and volume are intrinsically linked within the context of the installation, subtly drawing visitors to the plaza within the immersive space.

the circular piece lights up when individual visitors cross concentric thresholds around the square

a dynamic layering effect is formed by the concentric composition

illuminated by night, the piece animates the public square

asif khan with ‘radiant lines’