For large outdoor installations, complicated calculation and heavy duty structural works seems to be unavoidable to withstand strong wind and adverse weather. However, we decided to take a different approach this year. Instead of working to against the wind load, the design made clever use of the wind to create special wavy effects. A 20m square grid made of tension steel wire was mounted on the ceiling at a height of 8m, with more than 1,500 mirror finished plastic pipes of different lengths were hung onto the grid. When the wind blew, the pipes would rotate and sway with the wind. As the structure was light, wind load was reduced with the pipes’ swinging movements.

The installation embraced an unprecedented design that would change according to the environment and the weather. In daytime, the glittering structure would reflect the CBD surroundings and blend in with the environment; while during the evening and at night, the pipes, lighted up by programmed LED that created colour changed from burgundy red to champagne gold which morphed the movement of wine swirling.

Furthermore, wastage was minimised by avoiding the use of giant structures. The pipes were also unfolded after the event and reused by NGO.

Inspired by Chinese traditional lantern at Temple Fair, the centre piece installation served as an iconic display of the venue took the idea of ‘ fountain of light’. By applying multi-layers of cylindrical LED structure, different graphics and patterns would be shown onto the structure. The concept was further reinstated by several curved arches with programmed lighting to create the flowing fountain effect where visitors could pass through underneath.

Location: Central Harbourfront Event Space

Client: Hong Kong Tourism Board