Interview about The Sea Vibes Installation , winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2019
This installation was designed using the language of the sea: waves, as it was designed for a residential project along the shore of Dalian Bay, China. The installation is a huge cylinder formed by double-layer copper plates, consisting of 6000 plates hung in the frame according to specific permutation. When walk around the cylinder, this installation looks like waves running one after another. When the plates move in the sea wind, flashing light and colors are reflected, symbolizing spindrift. This design reprodued the vibes of the sea waves with a fixed installation.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhen conceptualizing the art installation, we aimed to capture the natural essence of ocean waves through dynamic and interactive elements. The initial inspiration came from the rise and fall of the sea waves and their rhythmic patterns. We designed a large-scale, geometrically striking cylindrical structure, with copper sheets suspended to create the visual effect of rolling waves. Through the interaction of the copper sheets with the wind, the installation can exhibit changing light, shadow, and motion under different conditions, simulating the flow of the waves. The circular design of the structure emphasizes the endless extension of the ocean, ultimately resulting in an installation that is both artistically expressive and interactive, perfectly reflecting the dynamic nature of the sea.
The team chose 6,000 copper plates and a carefully arranged layout, inspired by the dynamic characteristics of ocean waves. Copper, as a material, has a unique luster and texture that creates rich reflective effects under light, echoing the rise and fall of waves. The arrangement, with varying densities of geometric blocks, simulates the rhythm and layers of surging waves, giving the installation a sense of the power and flow of the ocean. As the copper plates shift with changes in light and perspective, they create a complex interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the expression of natural fluctuation and providing visitors with a vivid oceanic experience.
The coastal location of Dalian Bay profoundly influenced the design of the installation, particularly in its integration of natural elements such as wind and light. The sea breeze and changes in light became central to the interactive experience. In the design, the vibrating copper plates respond to the wind, simulating the rise and fall of waves, giving the space a dynamic quality. Under natural light, the copper plates reflect and refract light, creating a light and shadow effect similar to that of the sea surface. At night, the lighting adds a soft, atmospheric ambiance. The overall design allows visitors to experience the essence of the ocean, constantly evolving with the changes in natural elements, enhancing the sense of immersion and interactivity in the space.
In achieving a balance between the fixed structure and the perception of motion, the team faced several technical challenges. First, the copper plates needed to be securely suspended while being responsive to dynamic changes in wind or human movement. This required precise design of the connection system to ensure the copper plates neither detached due to wind or vibrations nor failed to generate sufficient motion effects. Second, controlling the amplitude and frequency of the copper plate vibrations was crucial to ensure they exhibited a natural, wave-like flow, rather than just simple swinging. This required accurate structural calculations and careful selection of materials. Finally, the changes in light and shadow had to be synchronized with the movement, ensuring that the entire installation delivered a consistent visual impact under varying environmental conditions.
When integrating the art installation with the overall architectural narrative of the residential project, the team ensured that the design harmonized with the space, enhancing the overall effect in the following ways. First, the installation's " The Sea Vibes " theme aligns with the project's coastal location, utilizing natural elements such as wind, light, and the movement of waves to echo the atmosphere of the coastline. Second, the geometric arrangement of the installation and the copper material resonate with the refined lines and textures of the building's modern aesthetic, creating a visual dialogue. Additionally, the design considered spatial flow, making the installation a bridge that connects the interior and exterior, enhancing the immersive experience for visitors and further strengthening the overall spatial narrative of the project.
During the design process, the team skillfully incorporated environmental factors such as sea breeze and natural light to create dynamic movement and visual impact. The copper material reflects light, and as natural light changes, the light and shadow on the surface of the installation form layers of distinct reflections, resembling the shimmering surface of the sea. In the afternoon, sunlight passes through the copper array, casting a logo-shaped light and shadow on the ground, where nature and art meet in a beautiful encounter. The sea breeze causes the suspended copper plates to vibrate, simulating the rise and fall of waves, enhancing the dynamic quality of the installation. The movement of the copper plates in response to the wind changes the light and shadow effects and the spatial atmosphere, creating an artistic effect that is highly integrated with the natural environment, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vivid oceanic ambiance.
Winning the Gold A' Design Award has had a profound impact on our studio's future public installation projects and environmental design challenges. First, it encourages us to continue exploring innovative design languages that integrate natural elements and interactive experiences. The award recognizes our innovations in materials, light and shadow, and spatial layout, motivating us to pay even more attention to the symbiotic relationship between the environment and design in future projects. At the same time, it has strengthened our trust with clients, communities, and the art world, enabling us to take on more challenging and impactful projects, further advancing our studio's development in the fields of public art and environmental design.
During the four-month development of "The Sea Vibes Installation," the experimental and refinement phase was crucial. Initially, we conducted prototype tests to evaluate the suspension method and vibration effects of the copper plates, adjusting the material's weight and the stability of the structure to ensure the installation could respond to wind while maintaining stable dynamic effects. Light and shadow experiments were also optimized multiple times to explore the reflection effects from different light sources and angles. Through continuous feedback and adjustments, we achieved the desired interactive effect in the final design, ensuring the installation interacted with the natural environment while delivering a consistent visual impact under varying lighting and weather conditions. This process exemplified the meticulous nature of the design and our pursuit of detail.
In designing "The Sea Vibes Installation," the team carefully balanced artistic expression with architectural function to ensure the installation was both aesthetically valuable and seamlessly integrated into the practical use of the space. First, the geometric form and materials of the installation complement the modern aesthetics of the building, reinforcing visual harmony. The artistic expression, through the dynamic movement of waves and the changing light and shadow, creates an oceanic atmosphere that evokes emotional resonance. At the same time, the layout and interactive design of the installation took into account foot traffic and the flow of the space, ensuring its functionality aligned with the environment. Through this integration, we ensured that the installation was not only visually striking but also enhanced the visitor’s spatial experience, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.
"The Sea Vibes Installation" has made a significant contribution to the evolution of public art installations in coastal architectural projects. By integrating natural elements such as sea breeze, light, and the interaction with materials, the installation breaks away from traditional static artistic expressions, creating a dynamic, immersive experience space. This interactivity not only enhances the artistic value of the space but also strengthens the emotional connection between the environment and the visitors, pushing public art towards greater participation and sensory stimulation. Furthermore, the seamless integration of the installation with the architecture demonstrates the fusion of art and functionality, offering a new creative paradigm for coastal architectural projects and inspiring more possibilities for innovation in public space art.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
