Shanghai theme park combines architecture, technology and storytelling for spectacular light show
POSTED 11 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
The tower is the centrepiece of a dramatic 18 minute light show Credit: Julien Palie
Through a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling, we witness an impossible and fantastic new reality – Jean-Christophe Canizares, ECA2
The Happy Valley theme park in Shanghai, China has opened a multimedia tower which transforms at night into the centrepiece of a dramatic 18 minute light show.
The 32m (105ft) high tower – described by developer OCT Shanghai as “a symbol of modernity and an icon of contemporary culture” – is located in a tranquil central lake, where it leans skywards at an angle.
When evening falls the tower is illuminated from within like a giant lantern and the show, called Lake of Illusions, begins.
Laser beams, videos and light effects projected onto the tower and rotating water jets shooting up from the lake. Mist, flames and pyrotechnics add further drama to the immersive show, which is soundtracked by music from eleven sources of sound placed around the park.
“Lake of Illusions was conceived to stand out in every dimension,” said Jean-Christophe Canizares, chairman of show developer ECA2. “It’s a true 360° icon that dominates its setting and intrigues the park’s visitors.
“At night, spectators will thrill to the spectacle of the tower as it seemingly grows wings, with impressive water screens and video effects weaving their magic. Artistically controlled by cutting-edge technology, the effects change and merge through time and space in every dimension: reaching higher, wider and deeper through different planes.
“Through a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling, we witness an impossible and fantastic new reality.”
The permanent attraction took two years to develop. Up to 1,000 spectators can watch the evening show.
ECA2 is currently collaborating with development firm Rizhao City Construction Investment in China’s Shandong province to create a similar attraction for Rizhao’s Olympics Water Sports base.
Laser beams, videos and light effects create illusions around the tower Credit: Julien Palie
When evening falls the tower is illuminated from within like a giant lantern Credit: Julien Palie
The light show lasts 18 minutes and is held every evening Credit: Julien Palie
Mist, flames, lasers and pyrotechnics add drama to the immersive show Credit: Julien Palie
Visual illusions designed by ECA2 feature prominently Credit: Julien Palie
According to ECA2 the show is 'a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling' Credit: Julien Palie
The Lake of Illusions is a star attraction at Shanghai's Happy Valley theme park Credit: Julien Palie
Up to 1,000 people can watch the spectacle live Credit: Julien Palie
The leaning tower can be seen from all over the theme park Credit: Julien Palie
RELATED STORIES
August opening for new Shanghai theme park POSTED 30 Jul 2009. BY Martin Nash Chinese media have reported that Shanghai Happy Valley, which will be China's largest theme park, is expected to open at the city's Mount She on 8 August.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]
Shanghai theme park combines architecture, technology and storytelling for spectacular light show
POSTED 11 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
The tower is the centrepiece of a dramatic 18 minute light show Credit: Julien Palie
Through a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling, we witness an impossible and fantastic new reality – Jean-Christophe Canizares, ECA2
The Happy Valley theme park in Shanghai, China has opened a multimedia tower which transforms at night into the centrepiece of a dramatic 18 minute light show.
The 32m (105ft) high tower – described by developer OCT Shanghai as “a symbol of modernity and an icon of contemporary culture” – is located in a tranquil central lake, where it leans skywards at an angle.
When evening falls the tower is illuminated from within like a giant lantern and the show, called Lake of Illusions, begins.
Laser beams, videos and light effects projected onto the tower and rotating water jets shooting up from the lake. Mist, flames and pyrotechnics add further drama to the immersive show, which is soundtracked by music from eleven sources of sound placed around the park.
“Lake of Illusions was conceived to stand out in every dimension,” said Jean-Christophe Canizares, chairman of show developer ECA2. “It’s a true 360° icon that dominates its setting and intrigues the park’s visitors.
“At night, spectators will thrill to the spectacle of the tower as it seemingly grows wings, with impressive water screens and video effects weaving their magic. Artistically controlled by cutting-edge technology, the effects change and merge through time and space in every dimension: reaching higher, wider and deeper through different planes.
“Through a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling, we witness an impossible and fantastic new reality.”
The permanent attraction took two years to develop. Up to 1,000 spectators can watch the evening show.
ECA2 is currently collaborating with development firm Rizhao City Construction Investment in China’s Shandong province to create a similar attraction for Rizhao’s Olympics Water Sports base.
Laser beams, videos and light effects create illusions around the tower Credit: Julien Palie
When evening falls the tower is illuminated from within like a giant lantern Credit: Julien Palie
The light show lasts 18 minutes and is held every evening Credit: Julien Palie
Mist, flames, lasers and pyrotechnics add drama to the immersive show Credit: Julien Palie
Visual illusions designed by ECA2 feature prominently Credit: Julien Palie
According to ECA2 the show is 'a magical interaction between technology, architecture and storytelling' Credit: Julien Palie
The Lake of Illusions is a star attraction at Shanghai's Happy Valley theme park Credit: Julien Palie
Up to 1,000 people can watch the spectacle live Credit: Julien Palie
The leaning tower can be seen from all over the theme park Credit: Julien Palie
RELATED STORIES
August opening for new Shanghai theme park POSTED 30 Jul 2009. BY Martin Nash Chinese media have reported that Shanghai Happy Valley, which will be China's largest theme park, is expected to open at the city's Mount She on 8 August.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]
