The vision was to create a visual landmark that would inspire and enchant the local community, day and night. It needed to be simple, captivating and enduring.

The artists, Milne & Stonehouse, wanted the installation to make a bold statement on the presence and absence of water in Sydney’s changing climate, hence the use of a giant colony of inverted umbrellas – transforming them from sunshades and rain shelters into light receptors and water collectors.

The ‘Float’ is an artistically-complex contemporary structure, located at a busy intersection. As a unique piece of public art, staying true to the artistic vision was critical.

The large umbrella structures (the biggest stands 12 metres high) needed to be realised by a manufacturer with the technical expertise and craftsmanship to deliver the highly creative and intricate componentry, creating an installation as beautiful as it was structurally sound.

The stainless steel mesh was especially difficult to work with – it was flimsy and ultra flexible, hard to cut, and hard to attach to other things – but we came up with a methodology to make it work.

One of the installation’s most loved features is programmable LED lighting that responds to the changing seasons and weather.

At night, the umbrellas glow with soft colours. When it rains, the same lights respond with a dance to celebrate the return of water to the landscape.

• 12 giant sculpted umbrellas
• Programmable LED lighting

Sited on a busy roundabout, we needed to ensure the structures were installed securely and within the parameters of the roundabout to ensure the safety of commuters and the community at all times, in all weather conditions.