CANAL CITY 2024 XMAS -Light of Hope- by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates (Japan)

Sep 2

Light of Hope was the centrepiece of the Christmas illumination project of the Canal City Hakata commercial facility in Fukuoka, Japan.

This was the first such Christmas show in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the goal was to create something filled with the hopes and dreams of spectators. An artwork symbolizing the heart and soul of Canal City was created and appears to float above the Sun Plaza Stage, a beautifully organic-looking building at the center of the facility.

Because the piece was to be suspended, partially outdoors, and exposed to the elements at all times throughout the 40-day event, and because it was to be illuminated by lighting and projection mapping, we chose to make it out of stainless steel for its lightweight, strong, and reflective properties. Two types of basic triangular pyramids are made by combining just two common types of linear components: stainless steel square pipes and U-shaped channels. In this design, eight of these pyramids are then combined to create a sphere. This project required the creation of an organic sphere to represent the "heart" using only general-purpose building materials. In addition to producing, transporting, and assembling the Light of Hope within a short timeframe, there were size restrictions both at the location and especially during transportation, which meant that assembly had to be done on-site. Additionally, to create a lighting effect that accommodates complex show programs, a large number of LEDs needed to be incorporated into the structural components, while also securing pathways for wiring. Achieving both of these requirements was the biggest challenge.

The fantastical and beautiful metal frame appears to float in the night sky, bathed in a soft glow of light. The mirrored finish of the stainless steel enhances its shine by reflecting the rippling surface of the fountain that runs through the center of the building. This creates a chain of reflected light, making the most of the environment in which it is installed. Not only that, but the shape of it changes depending on the lighting and angle from which it's viewed, allowing it to be enjoyed in various ways.

In addition to the constant illumination, a Christmas show titled "Miracle of Light" was held four times a day. It is the story of a mysterious man who suddenly appears in a glittering Christmas town and steals the light, but a fairy of light brings it back to the town. Projection-mapped images, fountains, lighting, music, and the Light of Hope all worked in sync with the story's beginning, development, twist, and conclusion to create a complete seven-minute show that could be enjoyed by people of all ages.

A3 Panel