Xiamen Peace Wharf · Tower Crane Lighting Art Installation

The gantry crane at Heping Wharf stands as a living specimen of Xiamen's shipping history. It has witnessed countless moments—lifting containers and enduring the daily hustle of dock workers. As its functional role diminished, the challenge was to transform this industrial relic into an urban memory anchor. The lighting design aimed to connect the past with the present, using light as the medium to highlight the traces of time etched into the rusted steel.
Research revealed a deep connection between the crane and the city. The dockers’ words echoed: "The shadow of this crane has the sun for decades." The ebb and flow of tides mirrored the rust marks, creating a timeless link between industry and nature. The lighting concept sought to preserve these traces, allowing the rusted structure to grow into a tangible texture of time.
The color palette for the design centered around warm tones like red and orange, evoking a sense of emotional comfort while constructing the narrative of space. The lighting, carefully embedded into the structure, enhanced the crane’s industrial aesthetics. The gradient red light of the main beam wrapped the steel frame, while the staircase featured a backlight effect to create a starry illusion.
The construction faced challenges due to the high humidity and salinity of the seaside environment. Anti-corrosion and high-temperature resistant lamps were used, ensuring the structure remained untouched while still bringing the design to life. Every lighting angle was meticulously adjusted to create an intimate, glowing embrace around the steel.
At night, the crane became a symbol of time's continuity, as the red light of the main beam spread like blood vessels, infusing life into the structure. As visitors ascended the steps, they stepped on memories, experiencing the convergence of past and present in the glow of light.