Representing the buzzing precinct around York, Clarence and Kent streets.

LIGHTSTREAM

Inspired by ancient waterways, Lightstream breathes new life into York Lane, transforming it into a luminous, ever shifting artwork that invites exploration. As people move through the lane, sensors activate flowing streams of light, drawing people in and turning an ordinary laneway into an immersive, dynamic experience.

We aimed to craft an artwork where light is more than mere illumination — it becomes movement like water carving its course through the city, Lightstream evolves throughout the night — ambient when the lane is empty, then pulsing with energy as people approach. This interplay of movement and light reshapes York Lane into a space of vibrancy, safety, and wonder.

Sydney’s YCK Laneways precinct has unveiled Lightstream, a new public lighting artwork by renowned artists Fausto Brusamolino and James Peter Brown. Located in York Lane, Wynyard, this innovative installation is designed to enhance safety and transform the pedestrian experience, particularly for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Commissioned under the NSW Government’s Community Improvement District (CID) Pilot, Lightstream is a direct response to concerns raised by the YCK Laneways Association regarding the safety of York Lane. As a key shared path in the precinct, the laneway is used by pedestrians, however, its dark and unsafe nature had been discouraging people to do more than quickly pass through to Wynyard Station.

Studies support the impact of lighting on public safety, with research indicating that warm lighting increases the perception of safety by reducing glare and shadows, providing a more inviting atmosphere. The Lightstream installation has been shaped by a co-design process of community engagement, with women documenting their perceptions of safety before the artwork was designed, and offering feedback during the testing phase through two evening Walkshops.

Produced by Cobalt Engagement, this initiative demonstrates the potential for creative interventions to positively impact urban precincts. The CID Pilot continues to gather valuable data on how these types of projects can enhance the attraction and experience of the city, with safety being a fundamental factor in attracting people.

You can find out more about the CID Pilot here.