Location: THE WAVE, Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza, Shenzhen, China Architects: KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox)
Read MoreShenzhen is a city defined by speed and reinvention—transforming from a fishing village to a global metropolis in just 40 years. Shenzhen Bay, a new cultural plaza developed by CR Land, required an experiential moment to that reflected the city’s ambitious, entrepreneurial spirit. The brief was to create a multimedia show that would resonate with a young, diverse demographic while activating the KPF-designed sunken plaza. From design and creative vision to execution, we had full scope to produce this spectacle that has become a signature nightly draw for visitors to the Culture Plaza.
Our theme “Future Dreams” took inspired from KPF’s architectural vision of a “water droplet creating a ripple”, our narrative focused on Water, Innovation, and Harmony. The story traces the “Shenzhen Miracle”, a city born of water evolves into a futuristic metropolis. The narrative and visuals celebrate the balance between nature, the built environment, and the relentless energy of its people.
Credit: Music by Musicom
Acting as principle show-runners, we delivered a complex multimedia spectacle featuring projection mapping on a two-tiered acrylic waterfall, bespoke music, lasers, mist, and drone set pieces. To overcome the technical challenges of the transparent substrate and construction delays, we utilised a real-time rendering workflow involving Notch, Unreal Engine, and Houdini for rapid on-site iteration. The project concluded with a successful grand opening and the handover of a modular “Daily Show” centred on a water-dance finale, designed to remain visible despite ambient light interference from retailers.
Despite a super-typhoon halting construction for 48 hours in build-up to opening night, the “Future Dreams” spectacle successfully premiered on September 30th to capacity crowds. To ensure the project’s longevity, we also produced a modular “Daily Show” that centred on a water-dance finale.
