Background & Scope
Natasha Johns-Messenger’s six-metre minimalist public timepiece, SoftTime 2024, is now on display on the building façade at Monash University in Melbourne. The project brought together EMT, the artist, and Blue Bottle Lighting Specialists, who worked closely to turn a large-scale artistic idea into a durable and weather-resistant public installation.
Optical Prototyping & Steel Engineering
EMT conducted material evaluation of frosted tubular Perspex elements to achieve uniform light diffusion and eliminate dot-matrix visibility, alongside structural testing for long-term outdoor weatherproofing. The structural core was constructed from two ring-rolled square steel tubes stabilised by laser-cut centre plates, treated with a chromate zinc coating and a protective powder coat. The assembly maintained a precise 2mm fabrication tolerance across six metres, featuring a four-part modular transport configuration with custom-machined mounting brackets.
LED Integration & Façade Installation
EMT integrated and calibrated 1,696 individual LEDs supplied by Blue Bottle to ensure optimal visual output across the entire structure. Following complete pre-assembly and testing, the four-part modular system was transported from EMT’s Braeside facility and reassembled on-site directly onto the building façade at Monash University.
Optical prototyping and LED testing using frosted Perspex elements to achieve seamless light diffusion
Precision steel fabrication showing the chromate zinc-coated structural core and custom-machined mounting bracket
Final reassembly and façade installation of the six-metre timepiece at Monash University using elevated access equipment
