The Sound of Blooming

Overview

For this iconic 15-meter kinetic installation, I served as the Lighting Designer and Director. The project presented a significant environmental challenge: as a massive outdoor structure in a high-wind area, traditional atmospheric effects like smoke and haze were impossible to maintain, rendering standard light beams invisible.

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The Installation

A 15-meter geodesic sphere composed of hundreds of mechanical “petals” made from reflective umbrella fabric. The structure opens and closes like a giant flower, driven by a kinetic system synchronized with sound and light.

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Design Concept

• Spatial Extension — Instead of relying on haze, I designed a circular array of beam lights surrounding the installation. By creating a radial, rhythmic movement of light, I established a sense of spatial flow and visual extension that complemented the kinetic motion of the “flower.”
• Material Interaction — To highlight the mechanical intricate detail, I utilized wash lights to interact with the reflective umbrella fabric of the petals. This technique created a “shimmering ripple” effect, transforming the mechanical surface into a dynamic, organic texture that mimicked the glisten of nature.
• Technological Synergy — I synchronized the lighting choreography with the kinetic movements of the installation, ensuring a seamless fusion of light, sound, and mechanical engineering.

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Light Plot & Previz

Previsualization created with Wysiwyg R40 and SketchUp.

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Production Photos

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Videos