13 February 2010
Marc & Chantal Design have conceptualized and developed the design for the Hong Kong pavilion in Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
The Expo is dedicated to world cities showcasing their sustainability efforts and aspirations. Responding to the brief requesting a strong message that expressed the identity of Hong Kong, Marc & Chantal Design developed a messaging system that shed a new light of typical perceptions of Hong Kong, and decided to present Hong Kong through focusing on global commerce, communication and contrast. The theme of connecting – physically and virtually – is key to the vitality of the city and therefore Hong Kong’s identity.
Using technology as a tool to amplify the design concept, incorporated the Smart Card technology that exemplifies Hong Kong’s citizen-centric approach to technological innovations. The intention was to replicate the dynamism of a city in motion through a façade made entirely from LED lights with graphics that animate the entire surface of the
pavilion. These graphics illustrate the leading concept of connectivity by creating a shared-experience and allowing visitors to literally connect and mark their presence.
The graphics on the LED walls are charged by and react to the presence of visitors. When a visitor enters the exhibition – or visits the virtual exhibition online – a representative pixel appears on the façade. The pixels build up over time, connecting with each other, and as a result, slowly form shapes and words that evolve day by day. At regular intervals, the entire façade will change colour, rewind the animation, and play it again in fast motion to share the build up of the images with new visitors. The graphic language allows the visitor to shape the face of the exhibition, just as Hong Kong’s inhabitants shape the city. This inspiring design exemplifies the creative spirit of Hong Kong.
On the backside of the vertical screens the more personal experience is activated. Visitors meet virtual hosts, each with a unique personality. The hosts introduce the use of Smart Cards in their own everyday lives to the visitors. Through this interactive and entertaining interface, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about future uses of Smart Card technology and their role in the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
This article can also be found here
