2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Jinji Lake Media Art Design

Entrant

brandston partnership inc.

Category

Lighting Design - Facade Lighting

Client's Name

Suzhou Industrial Park Administration for Comprehensive Law Enforcement

Country / Region

China

"Project Synopsis:

A city's development is incremental. The modern infrastructure encircling Jinji Lake is the product of three decades of phased development, resulting in significant disparities in lighting fixtures, hardware, software, and design philosophies. While a complete system overhaul was initially considered, the renewal strategy pivoted to a sustainable, ‘catalyst-first’ methodology after assessing economic and long-term viability.

This approach entailed a thorough analysis of key visual corridors and media display simulations across diverse lighting carriers. Instead of full replacement, we implemented a unified, time-synchronized hardware system that is cost-effective and adaptable for phased upgrades. This enables the progressive refinement of the district’s nocturnal landscape. Furthermore, the project recalibrates landmark brightness hierarchies through power modulation and introduces an ""Energy-Saving Mode,"" effectively reducing the annual energy consumption of the landscape lighting.

Informed by a comprehensive view analysis, the project introduces a ""Dual-Shore Synergy"" concept. It artistically deconstructs local cultural elements, reinterpretes them through digital coding, and brings them to life via dynamic 3D simulations in a virtual twin environment. After intricate cross-system integration, the area now achieves seamless, interactive visual experiences. The revitalized Jinji Lake has emerged as a cherished landmark, masterfully blending technology with poetic expression.

The lighting design process, driven by digital twin technology, unfolds in three stages:

1. Model Construction: Utilizing precise site surveys and geospatial data to build a true-to-life 3D urban model, providing an accurate computational foundation.

2. Algorithmic Choreography: A dynamic simulation system interprets and visualizes abstract cultural motifs inspired by Suzhou embroidery, transforming heritage into fluid digital narratives.

3. Aesthetic Synthesis: Artistic intent merges with technical execution, refining visual elements to achieve thematic coherence—a harmony where technology elevates aesthetic storytelling.

The narrative unfolds through four thematic chapters: ""Shared Moments"" (a serene night under a rising moon); ""Quantum Leap"" (harnessing explosive technological energy); ""Fearless Journey"" (perseverance through challenges); and ""Leaping Dragon Gate"" (transcendence and rebirth)."

Credits

Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Judy Tang
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Karloz
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Dingyi Zhao
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Yanru Cao
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Tao Qu
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Shuli Shao
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