ESHLHIHKW'IWS – Making Connections

Lead Designers Ellie Niakan

Entry Description

This public light installation is an homage to the Coast Salish peoples honouring the life-giving elements named The Sacred Four: the Thunderbird, guardian of the land; the Salmon, symbol of nourishment and environmental health; Water, the giver of life; and the Sky, a reminder of the air we breathe.
Standing 7m tall and fashioned from 8 laser-cut aluminum panels, this installation is both front and back-lit by linear wall grazers from the base of the art. As darkness falls, its artfully curated hues of sky, ocean, and river come alive to softly graze the wall and form a vibrant backdrop. It transforms with the ebb and flow of time. Shadows ripple through a ribbon of blue and teal light, evoking water and air's intimate dance. Bursts of yellow light flash behind the Thunderbird, as if it flaps its wings to summon lightning, while red light gently flows into blue as tribute to the life-giving blood of salmon.
Each transition is carefully timed to showcase the piece's soothing and enduring narrative. A mesmerizing static scene where the light of white wall grazers blend with blue through the laser-cut openings serves as the highlight, creating fluid reflections of clouds and water.
This unique interplay of light and material evokes the dynamism of nature’s forces. The light brings to life subtle yet striking connections between nature, culture, and the elements.

Sustainability Approach

Through detailed mock-ups, the optimal luminaires were selected and installed in continuous rows along the front and back of the artwork, reducing both the number of fixtures and energy consumption compared to traditional backlit LED systems. This efficient design minimized the use of aluminum and LED boards for the 170 sqm installation.

Accessibility was kept at the forefront via a custom hinge system to facilitate maintenance. Lighting studies affirmed the installation’s visibility for passersby while minimizing light pollution for nearby residences. Precision narrow optics reduced skyglow, and the luminaires switch off after midnight to conserve energy and minimize wildlife disruption.
Locally manufactured aluminum panels further reduced the project’s carbon footprint and reinforces its sustainable design sensibilities.
(Some of photos are taken from animated scenes.)