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 is evident in the use of simple geometric forms to explore the scale and layout of the atrium. The Diva Garden was envisioned as the beating heart of the hotel, capturing childhood wonder with commanding sculptures that infuse vibrant energy, captivating viewers from towering vantage points to intimate ground levels.

One significant influence on the design was the REDDRESS performance, where two female performers adorned a magnificent oversized wool red dress created by Finnish artist Amu Song. This inspiration was incorporated into the Diva, drawing parallels between the intimate wool pockets of the RedDress where the audience lies and the adjacent hotel bedrooms. The Diva sculpture envelops guests in an embracing glow of ethereal lights, reminiscent of the captivating atmosphere of REDDRESS.

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. 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.