The Star Sydney unveiled the world’s first permanent indoor light and interactive digital art foyer in an integrated resort – the ‘Grand Foyer’ is part light, part water and part digital art gallery. The Grand Foyer will offer an interactive arrival experience aimed to excite, engage and entertain an average of 20,000 guests per day.
The Star Sydney Chief Operating Officer, Dino Mezzatesta, said the transformation supported the Group’s vision to become Australia’s leading integrated resort company by thrilling guests from the moment they set foot on property. “Architecture, contemporary art and technology have converged to form an iconic showpiece that delivers a unique, unexpected and dynamic arrival experience for our guests,” said Mr
Mezzatesta.
“The new Grand Foyer includes a 25-metre-long, 8K resolution crescent shaped screen which will showcase the works of emerging and established Australian artists, university students, cinematographers and animators. The screen content reacts dynamically to the real-world environment and human movement, encouraging guest interaction.
“Inspiration behind the artworks was drawn from The Star’s proximity to the busy Sydney Harbour shoreline – and the constant ebb and flow of human activity within the Pyrmont area.
“Alongside the digital canvas, is the first sculptural water installation of its design in the Southern Hemisphere – the ‘Aquatique’ artwork of falling water. The integration of Aquatique, LED screens, lasers, lighting and live performances is a world first for an entertainment precinct.”
The new guest arrival experience has been collaboratively delivered by The Star Entertainment Group and famed lighting specialists Ramus Illumination, who were responsible for delivering Australia’s largest permanent outdoor projection system at The Star Gold Coast, as well as its porte-cochère lighting installation, also at Broadbeach.
World-renowned for their signature approach to creating works that are innovative, interactive and sustainable, Ramus Illumination have designed and directed countless live international shows for artists including U2 and David Bowie, as well as events such as The Academy Awards, The Grammys and the Super Bowl Halftime Shows.
Headed up by Bruce Ramus, the firm designs grand-scale theatrical experiences that reflect the environment and encourage public engagement. “With The Star Sydney Grand Foyer arrival experience, we wanted to design an experience full of compelling encounters that enrich the journey. We envisioned a beautiful, unifying space that embraces and welcomes all people, and we believe we’ve achieved this,” said Mr Ramus.
“We’ve turned light into an expressive platform in the form of the digital canvas. Through this, light animates to tell the story of the local environment, it is the light, movement and artistic expression of the community that shares the wider story of The Star and Sydney.”
The Star Sydney continues to entertain guests through its growing portfolio of thrilling experiences across the property, having recently introduced three new food and beverage offerings to its already 22-strong portfolio, with the opening of signature seafood restaurant Flying Fish, boutique hotel lobby bar G&Tea and a new bar, Jade Rabbit. Guests can also enjoy a new retail precinct now home to luxury brands, including Gucci and Versace.
