Students’ music festival design dreams become reality

Student Nethmi Abeysundara, who is one of the team of seven University of Adelaide masters students who brought their futuristic architectural visions to life, says the vision is to reflect the flow of sound waves.  

“With an array of colours, the translucent canopy will create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the atmosphere while providing functional coverage for performers and the audience,” Abeysundara explains.  

“The resulting installation creates a ballroom-like experience and gathering place for the audience with its organic, flowing nodes that represent the ripples of sound waves from music. Lighting embedded within the structure will enhance the forms and rhythm of the music, transforming the space into a visually captivating environment.”

AdeLOUD is taking place on Saturday, 16 November, where the University’s iconic UniBar and Cloisters – an institution in Adelaide’s live music scene - will transform into an oasis of sound light and movement.

A mix of international, interstate, and homegrown artists will perform at AdeLOUD, including Genesis Owusu, Elsy Wameyo, JamesJamesJames, In2stellar, and more, with the genre-diverse lineup curated by the University’s very own electronic music maestro and alumnus, Motez.  

The project was created through a collaborative process between university students, staff, and fabricators. Abeysundara explains they drew from the vitality of its cohort.

“The design for AdeLOUD music festival features a creative installation that reflects the vibrant spirit of the University community,” Abeysundara says.

“It draws inspiration from the history of textile making, hangings, and experimentation in the former Union House art studio. The initial form was inspired by the movement of sound through space and the ripples it can create in water, sand, or the membranes of speakers, for example.”

The initial concepts produced by the students investigated the use of fabric – this led to the engagement of Tetrik Structures as specialists in textile design and fabrication for events, who worked closely with the team to further refine and develop the design.

The group has sustainability in mind, where students looked for ways to reduce the amount of fabric wastage for the construction, using textile as a lightweight material, and by designing it to be reused for other future university events.

Abeysundara is joined in the design team by students Shreya Agnihotri, Jiale Bi, Yurong Zhu, Maozheng Wang, Xilong Zhang, and Ziyuan Liu. Senior Lecturer Dr David Kroll and architectural designer Meherzad Shroff co-coordinated the studio. Dr Kroll says that this unique opportunity is invaluable for students, and the festival itself reflects the creative and bright culture of the University.

“The project aims to foster a sense of connection and celebration,” Dr Kroll says.

“Attendees will get to immerse themselves in a shared musical experience that echoes the diverse voices of the University community and event audience.”

Students also have a wider involvement in the festival too, where student interns make up part of AdeLOUD’s organising committee which will bring the festival to life.

The festival takes place on the University’s 150th anniversary in an ode to up-and-coming youth and 10 hours of non-stop music. For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/events/list/adeloud