Tidal, wind and solar power are harnessed for promenade lighting and diurnal performances of a majestic row of Tidal Cranes. Echoing the rhythm of the former ‘working’ harbour’s loading and unloading boats, the skyline is activated by the angular lines of pivoting amusing crane-like sculptures. Like sentinels striking poses along the promenade, they stridently occupy their waterside territory. Gentle giants, they move gracefully like dancers.

Where land meets water, city meets harbour and past meets future, these ‘new age’ ‘eco’ cranes perform the twice daily translations of the tides. For thousands of residents and employees at East Darling Harbour, the Tidal Cranes will continually translate the rhythms of water that surrounds them. Powered by the ebb and flow of the tide, the luffing of the jib arms visually announce the local tidal position whilst slewing a potential 360 degrees in response to the direction of the wind. Momentary wave reflection is expressed in flutter movements of the long arms.

In a context defined by the interface of built form and elemental forces the tidal light cranes are direct kinetic sculptural conduits to nature’s ineluctable processes.