DESIGN NAME: The Yangtze
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Art Installation
INSPIRATION: As the most populated city in Central China that is the main thoroughfare between major regions of nine provinces, Wuhan is separated into three districts by the iconic Yangtze river. Its water has, for over three centuries, been a vehicle for culture, prosperity and civilization. With the opening of K11 in the Guanggu neighborhood of Wuhan, the river branches off and enters through the West gate in the form of an art installation, a mutual welcoming between the art mall and the Hubei capital.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The first of its kind, K11 is brand of premium shopping malls that merges retail and fine arts. For their Wuhan opening, Blue Mount won the bid to create an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind art piece to be suspended in the atrium of the main West entrance. The birth of The Yangtze came from a concept inspired by the rich historical and geological background of this capital city. Weighing 3 tonnes, the artwork mimics flows of the famed river, finished in gold and silver for a touch of luxury.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: K11 is known for its support of the arts and promotion in forward thinking, but its origin stems from a family-run business - New World Development, deep-rooted in Hong Kong's history and culture. It is a company that combines traditions of old and new, injecting an innate sense of belief and auspiciousness into their every project.
The Yangtze is an art installation with a message of hope and prosperity behind its conception and realization. Just as the ancient river has brought growth and success to the city, this piece of artwork carries a very positive message that celebrates Wuhan's geographical and historical background as well as Guanggu district's developments in advanced technologies. This sculpture expresses an appreciation for Wuhan's old traditions and helps viewers to look forward to the future.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started its conceptual stages in Hong Kong in late 2016. The final design was completed in summer of 2017 and will be exhibited in K11 Wuhan Guanggu (China) after the mall's grand-opening during Chinese New Year of 2018.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design and rendering of The Yangtze was done via 3D modeling softwares Autodesk 3ds Max and V-Ray.
Due to its scale and the free-handedness of its curvatures, the actual artwork is to be sculpted in segments out of polystyrene so that moulds could be made with fibreglass. Other materials include machine-bent metal tubes, LED flexible neons and resin fish in chromed silver and gold finishes.
The construction of The Yangtze is made more difficult by the fact that it will weigh approximately 3 tonnes. Blue Mount is working with Hong Kong-based engineers and hanging specialist to create custom rigging to reinforce the structure of the atrium to offer maximum support for this art piece.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The Yangtze is L17500mm x W4500mm x H4500mm and weighs 3 tonnes.
TAGS: The Yangtze, River Sculpture, Gold and Silver River, K11 WHGG,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: To create The Yangtze, Blue Mount delved into the historical significance of Wuhan city to the Central China region. Hubei locals and academics familiar with national history were consulted to give the project's designers in-depth look into the background of one of the most ancient Chinese civilizations and it's latest technological advancements within the city's own "silicon valley" - Guanggu.
Yangtze river became more and more inspiring further into this research. Not only is water a symbol for wealth and prosperity within Chinese customs, but towns and cities along this longest river in Asia are also more economically advanced, with its river delta regions generating about 20% of China's GDP. From every angle, the Yangtze is as inspiration as it is powerful, result in an auspicious "good luck" charm for the K11 WHGG mall.
CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge in realizing The Yangtze is managing its weight and size within an over-sized atrium space. The design of this art piece was finalized before extensive mall interior details were given the Hong Kong design team, resulting in the final product to be overweight and potentially dangerous to its environment and the people who traverse through the area. With no chance of changing the design, Blue Mount is working with engineers and hanging specialists to create a set of 12 custom-made rigging to reinforce the mall's ceiling and produce a safe and sound structure.
ADDED DATE: 2017-12-27 08:35:47
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Creative Direction: Elizabeth Mok and 3D Designer: Matthew Wong
IMAGE CREDITS: Images # 1-4: Matthew Wong / 3D Designer / The Yangtze
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