Capsules of Wonder Passaggio introduttivo

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Salon de TE was the only hall opened to the public at this Hong Kong watch fair. Its purpose was to showcase 140 international premium watch brands. The design brief was to create a 1800m2 introductory passageway experience for its visitors. The passageway had to stimulate the feeling of new discoveries before visitors embark to discover the various watch brands. A futuristic theme was created to include a welcome reception, VIP lounge and an open stage area for multifunctional activities.

Dimensions & Packaging

Acrylic mirrored cladding was used in the reception and VIP lounge. A 3m high x 5m wide hexagon shaped gateway with a LED screen greeted the visitors into the 45m long x 7.5m wide x 6m high passageway of the Salon de TE hall. An interactive screen at 3m high x 9m wide was placed near the entrance space. Further inside the passageway was an open chamber area 17m diameter that housed a 9m stage wide stage. Multifunctional activities include product parades, cocktails and seminars was used in the space.

Tags

Trade, Hong Kong, Fashion, Music, Installation, Outer Space Journey, Exhibition, Design, Organiser, Fair

Production Technology

The production avoided the use of heavy wooden structures instead, all the walls were made with reusable aluminium systems covered with stretched vinyl prints. The furniture, props, lighting and LED screens were hired. Biodegradable carpets covered the exhibition hall flooring. Experiences such as a fragrant olfactory garden along with augmented and virtual reality technology were integrated into the spatial design.

Design Challenge

The most challenging part was finding a design concept different from any previous design concept used for this marketing show. The most important aspect was the design had to heightening the public perception and awareness of the Salon de TE and the watch industry. After analysing various ideology and themes on adventures of new discoveries, a futuristic capsule to take the visitors to different worlds seemed ideal. From this, the whole design process went into development.

Research

Inspiration to design the introductory passageway derived from the challenge of the brief. The new design was intended to evoke the visitors’ curiosity with new discoveries. This led to the idea of curating a futuristic journey under the main concept Capsules of Wonders. Subsequently, 4 different unique experience named Arctic Retreat, Aqua Pod, Botanic Lab and Time Observatory was created for the visitors before they set out to the different categories into this specialised hall.

Inspiration

Inspiration for the introductory passageway design came from the organiser's requirement of stimulating the imagination of the visitor with the feeling of new discoveries. This led to researching imaginary science fictional worlds of holodecks and time capsules. From this series of futuristic themed experienced was depicted and developed under the concept name Capsules of Wonder.

Project Duration

The project duration was 3 months from initial briefing to onsite completion. It was launched on the 4th of September 2018 and ran for 5 days. Only 3 days were allowed for the move in and onsite set up. Salon de TE was located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Operation Flow

The flow starts with a futuristic departure lounge to evoke the visitors’ curiosity of new discovery. Inside the introductory passageway, dramatic lighting and interactive experiences enabled a heightened visual story telling experience. An open chamber with a stage was created to house multifunctional promotional activities. Within this, 4 hexagon portals would lead into unique themes such as Artic Retreat, Aqua Pod, Botanic Lab and Time Observatory to reflect the different zones.