Civic's iconic cube lights up again for the first time in 7 years

It had been sitting in darkness since 2017 but Canberra’s iconic cube has been turned on again.

Illumicube was created in 1988 to mark 25 years of the ACT Electricity Authority (ACTEA), predecessor to ActewAGL, and was originally located opposite Civic Square.

You probably remember seeing crowds of kids yelling at its 570 glass bricks, edged in stainless steel panels, trying to get them to flash in colour.

It used sound activation technology, at least until the number of residential dwellings in the area grew and complaints started pouring in about the number of kids yelling at it, and passing cars honking their horns at all hours.

ArtsACT agreed to move it to its current home outside the Canberra Centre, just off Cooyong Street, and fit it with a random light display in 2007.

But despite frequent attempts over the years to repair it, the lighting, sensors and programming technology inside gradually failed, and the ‘fire in its belly’ went out in 2017.

It’s thought the removal of the air vents on the top of the structure back in 2007 may have caused it to get too hot inside during the summer months and effectively fried the electronics.

There was an initial attempt to overhaul the work in 2020, but this was put on hold by COVID.

In 2023, the ArtsACT team reviewed old media articles and decided to go for a different approach this time. Where local buskers and artists would often play outside the old technology to get a light show going, it’s hoped they’ll now be able to design their own light-show program.

This is because each brick is now equipped with its own LED light, held in place by a new internal structure, and able to be changed remotely.

“This would allow the coloured lighting to be changed to coincide with community events and celebrations or for raising awareness of various causes,” a document from ArtsACT reads.

“The lighting and control system is linked to the cloud to allow for programming and control of the lighting to happen remotely.”

Sound Advice took care of this tech, while Forge Construction replaced all the cracked and broken glass bricks, regrouted the entire structure, and cleaned and polished the stainless-steel edging.

To keep it from turning into an oven, new air vents have also been installed at the ground level, and technicians will monitor the inside temperature in coming months and may also add a fan system to the top.

The work’s original designer, Kerry Simpson, (formerly Senior Lighting Standards officer for ACTEA), loves the pixel idea.

“I had it as one of my concepts originally but was a few decades ahead of the technology,” he says.

The Illumicube will now join the Canberra Times Fountain, Malcolm Fraser Bridge, and light-rail stations in lighting up for national commemorations such as International Women’s Day, Reconciliation Day and NAIDOC Week.

But ArtsACT also hopes to open it up to “guest programming” and allow “local artists or emerging designers” to design a display.

“I am very excited that in retirement I will experience the revitalization of my creation, and my grandchildren can share the joy their parents experienced as part of my inspiration when it was first turned on,” Mr Simpson added.

“The new LED pixel approach is bringing to life my original vision, and I am sure the original public enthusiasm will be restored.”

The cube sits within land owned by the Canberra Centre and will be accompanied by fresh surroundings soon, too.

“It is great to see this iconic Canberra structure illuminated once more,” Canberra Centre general manager Gary Stewart says.

“Later this year, we will introduce new landscaping, complete with additional seating around the Illumicube, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone.

“This initiative underscores Canberra Centre’s ongoing dedication to working with the ACT Government to enhance the city’s night-time atmosphere, transforming it into a dynamic hub for entertainment and dining.”