“CONSTANT RHYTHM” Art Installation

Locating in a Central Business District of Guangzhou, "CONSTANT RHYTHM" is an Art Installation created for the atrium of a Hotel Complex. The Installation is in the center of the space, forming an eternal rhythm that encourages people to find their own pace in the restless society to move forward without fear.

In today's hasty society where “fast” lifestyle is prevalent, people are busier but more numb. Various negative social situations such as cold interpersonal relationships and vicious job competition are hindering people from moving forward. Business guests and residents in this CBD are living an even more intense life, working 10 hours a day for 7 days a week, busy but bewildered.

Basing on this context, “CONSTANT RHYTHM” tries to explore the relationship between the conservation of time and space to inspire people to find their own pace in line with the laws of the universe. The designer started with the eternal and people-related philosophical concept, "time". The traditional Chinese chronology "Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches"(HSEB) expresses a profound understanding of the laws of the universe and the concept of time. Besides, HSEB is also used for sequencing, grading and classification. These functions coincide with Arabic numerals and Roman numerals used in Western timekeeping and counting, implying the global consensus on “time”. Therefore, the installation used a multi-layered clock mechanical core as a shape, with a hand in the center and three respectively rings of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals and Eastern HSEB chronology on the outer scale. Each layer rotates individually and rises and falls simultaneously, with music and regular chimes to interact with guests, expressing that people cannot transcend the control of time dimension. Thus, finding a regular rhythm of life is the best way to be unaffected by adversity and to build up the strength to move forward.

The three digital rings are composed of laser-cut plated stainless steel plates. All components are pre-processed in the factory and lifted and welded or hinged together on site, which greatly saves labor and time costs for on-site construction. All main materials can be recycled and reused.