BAY de PONY2026

In the vibrant commercial metropolis of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Bay MixC consistently faces the operational challenge of generating sustained freshness and buzz during traditional festivals. While the Chinese Zodiac naturally commands deep emotional resonance, traditional art installations often suffer from a lack of interactivity and lasting impact. As Generation Z emerges as the primary consumer force, the project team recognized a critical shift: Spring Festival installations must evolve from mere ornamentation into emotional immersion and social currency.

To achieve this, the design moves beyond literal zodiac clichés, introducing an original IP character, “PONY.” By weaving together sound, light, and architectural storytelling, this project crafts an immersive New Year dreamscape within this bustling urban landmark.

The centerpiece of this project is a colossal, 8-meter-tall revolving PONY lantern. This installation represents a bold breakthrough in both engineering and aesthetics; unlike typical static sculptures, the piece utilizes mechanical drives to create a rotating spectacle of light and shadow. As it turns, PONY appears to leap through time, blurring the line between traditional folklore and futuristic fantasy. Complementing this is a custom-engineered “Loong” installation that spirals upward along the staircases, echoing the momentum of a soaring Loong and creating a dynamic spatial narrative.

The project breaks free from the symbolic trap of traditional art installations, creating tactile, romantic touchpoints. A floral hot air balloon carries PONY and a bounty of blossoms, signaling a promise of spring, while interactive scenes—such as “Receiving Blessings” and “Hanging a Traditional Chinese Knot”—invite visitors to become part of the space. Every spectator is transformed into a protagonist in the story.

This project is more than a visual upgrade; it is an innovative experiment in cultural expression. By balancing aesthetics with interactivity, the design achieves a synergy between commercial appeal and cultural value, offering a heartfelt, contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional New Year spirit.