AURA: FOREST AT THE EDGE OF THE SKY

Client

China Duty Free Group

Creative 

Wētā Workshop 

Build 

Dafeng Industry

Location 

Haikou, Hainan, China

Opened

October, 2022

Role on the project

Lead Design & Art Direction 

TEA Award for Outstanding Achievement 2023 

1st Place Themed Enivornment | 2023 Blooloop Innovation Awards 

Trinity Award for non-airport retailer of the year  

Trinity Award for Visual Design 

Best Commercial Complex of the Year Platinum Award - GBE HOPSCA 

China Duty Free Group, Wētā Workshop, and Dafeng have partnered to elevate the shopping experience at Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Hainan, China, now the world's largest Duty Free mall, into a retailtainment wonder called Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky, set within a sprawling five-story atrium, offering shoppers a unique and dream-like experience. 
 
The atrium features a host of interactive art installations, including a 40-meter-long escalator ride through the trunk of a giant fallen tree, complete with state-of-the-art light and sound effects, a 25-meter-high Tree of Light featuring 5,000 LED orbs, a five-story LED screen, and sculptures of a deer and fawn, all inspired by the natural wonders of Hainan island.

During the evening, the Aura Atrium boasts a captivating display of light sequences across key installations, 360-degree theatrical lighting, a 12 part animation on the large LED screen and interactive projections across the atrium, imparting a compelling storytelling experience for all visitors.

As lead designer on the project, I guided the creative process by designing key sculptures and interior design (concept design, developed design, final visualisations, 3d modelling), and art directed the production of final fabrication models. Together with the talented Wētā Workshop team, I art directed the final installation on-site, including the light-show and animated film played out on a five-story LED display.  
 

DESIGN CONCEPT 

The Aura atrium is an ethereal portal into a fantastical forest, a mystical version of Hainan that resides within the imagination of each visitor. At the core of the design lies the embodiment of Qi energy, weaving through every curve.

Early blue sky ideas envision epic, out of this world spectacles. This speculative, narrative driven design approach was key to uncovering a tangible story-world befitting the world’s largest duty free mall.

The final design seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with human-centered design, imbuing art, nature, interactivity, and pure joy.

images/drawings by me (unless stated otherwise)