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Theatre Design / Architectural Lighting / AV Technology

“Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky” Atrium Installation, Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex

Weta Workshop approached Apeiro Design for assistance in developing “Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky,” an atrium installation in the Haikou International Duty-Free shopping complex.

Weta emphasized the traditional Chinese concept of Qi during early design meetings, inspiring Apeiro to design the “circulatory system” – the power and data infrastructure – required to support Weta’s envisioned forest elements. The complexity of Weta’s ideas demanded a comprehensive approach to the supporting infrastructure.

Apeiro Design called on the multiple disciplines within the firm to craft and seamlessly integrate supporting structures, luminous lighting effects , and speaker systems throughout the venue. The goal was to subconsciously engage patrons, heightening the transformative peace intended by Weta. Working closely with Weta Workshop and Atelier One, Apeiro pushed technological boundaries to optimize each component. Notably, the overhead tension wire grid, a mesh of high-strength steel wire rope supporting hundreds of acrylic spheres for the “Tree of Light”, seamlessly integrates into the installation. Remarkably, this grid is nearly imperceptible when viewed within the context of the entire installation.

View video fabricated and installed by Dafeng

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“Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky” Atrium Installation, Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex

75,000m

Supporting Wire

1,000+

Acrylic Spheres

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Description

“Complex Buttress Trees” behind custom seating area with integrated curved LED lighting sources. The luminous spheres at the tree base reinforce the sense of wonder.

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Description

The “Tree Deers” are lit internally with specialty designed lights to create an exterior luminescence which can be changed ambient light levels. Also incorporated is a hidden speaker system in the center of each deer.

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Description

Integrated within the “Sky Ladder” but outside of the sightlines of the patrons are specialty speakers and light fixtures which shine into the structure above.

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Description

This exterior image of the “Sky Ladder” is an enhanced escalator through which the mall patrons are immersed within a lighting and sound vortex as they move between levels.

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Description

The “Tree of Life” is made up of over 1,000 frosted, acrylic spheres capable of multi-color transition all digitally controlled from the show control system.

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Description

This view more clearly shows the six-story tall video screen that is controlled from the media/server room directly behind it. Flanking the video screen are hidden speaker clusters which are used for the reinforced audio.

Project Details

Location

Haikou, Hainan, China

Wētā Workshop in partnership with China Duty Free Group (CDFG)

Discipline

Theatre/Performance Environments / Architectural Lighting / AV Technology

Size

30,000 SF

Partners

Zhejiang Dafeng Industry Co., Ltd. (Contractor)

Services

Architectural Facility Planning / Facility Programming (Rack & Power Rooms and Data Control) / Theatrical Lighting System / “Tree of Light” Rigging System / Show Controls / Performance Infrastructure Design / Audio and Video Systems / Customized Integration of Performance and Architectural Lighting

Awards

2023 Blooloop Innovation Award for Themed Environments
2023-2022 Trinity Award for Non-Airport Retailer of the Year: CDF Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex and Best Commercial Complex of the Year – Platinum Award at the GBE HOPSCA Awards