DIVA GARDEN. 2023

The Diva Garden, situated in the atrium of the Dorsett Hotel in Melbourne's CBD, is an enchanting permanent installation. Drawing inspiration from the concept of a flourishing alien garden, it features a powerful red Diva sculpture embodying a nurturing woman. Circling this totemic Diva are giant flowers that bloom with vibrant coloured lights, creating a captivating spectacle.

The playful approach emerges through simple geometric forms that shape the scale and layout of the atrium, positioning Diva Garden as the hotel's beating heart. Evoking childhood wonder, the installation captivates with its luminous presence, whether viewed from the towering heights of the four adjacent residential towers or the intimate ground level of the bedrooms. Designed to be experienced from multiple perspectives, hotel guests below are embraced by the Diva’s commanding yet nurturing presence, while from above, the sculptural flowers unfold into view, forming a radiant, blooming garden that extends beyond the atrium, infusing the space with warmth and vitality.

At the courtyard’s center, the Diva totemic figure gathers the space around her like a mother embracing her children. The surrounding hotel rooms become the pockets of her dress, an extension of her presence, edging the garden in quiet anticipation. She does not sing, yet she resonates - her essence felt through the interplay of light and colour. Immersing guests in a silent performance where illumination replaces voice and atmosphere conveys emotion, the Diva becomes both protector and performer, transforming rest into a quiet spectacle.

The artistic process embraces a playful exploration of the themes and Portuguese heritage. The design of the delicate outstretched arms of the Diva draped with lanterns was inspired by the distinctive pose of Portuguese fado diva Amalia Rodrigues, whose voice became a symbol of resilience and emotional strength. This enchanting presence serves as a lullaby singer, cradling guests into peaceful sleep.

To balance the somber ambiance of the shaded atrium with its dark mirrored surfaces, bright biomorphic elements were incorporated into the design. Flower-like structures gracefully dance alongside the rigid architecture of the surroundings, infusing warmth into the space. Vibrant hues and ethereal lighting contribute to a magical atmosphere, transforming the atrium into an enchanting fairyland.

Especially at night, the interplay of mirrored light and shadow in the facades heightens the visual impact of the sculptures, with flowers seemingly blooming in the darkness, creating an infinite garden where reality and illusion merge seamlessly.

The project was carried out in close collaboration with the lighting designer Edward Linacre, who enlisted the expertise of DMX lighting programmer Joshua Batty. Together, they successfully infused the sculptures with a magical ambiance that truly made them come to life.