Asif Khan

Transit

A laminated glass canopy for Argent's Cubitt Square redevelopment in the heart of Kings Cross which utilises polarising optics to mark the passage of time.

The project concept is to capture and control sunlight and shadow as floating colour planes projected onto the surface of Cubitt Square and the adjacent rail transit sheds. Every 12 hours an 8m polarising glass disc traverses the canopy overhead. By its movement and optical effect it creates shadow play which is experienced below.

Its columns are supported on a steel ‘rocker’ beam located below the square’s paving. A system of pneumatic pumps creates a simple harmonic motion in the polarising disc. The system drag is generated by the friction between the sliding disc and the canopy surface.