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Hong Kong Design Institute students and teachers have transformed a humble plastic light into a glittering masterpiece which will go on display at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
Featuring 200 red lightshades, Infinite Constellation has been installed in the atrium of the Hong Kong Pavilion, which overlooks the main concourse of the China Pavilion zone.
It will look particularly impressive at night when the mirrored walls of the atrium create multiple reflections of the lights, giving it an infinite dimension.
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| Eye catcher: Infinite Constellation features 200 red lightshades to illuminate the Hong Kong Pavilion at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. |
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Visible, meaningful
The institute's Product & Interior Design Department head Leslie Lu said its creators wanted a piece that was visible and meaningful.
"With a bit of creative thinking we were able to take an everyday product and turn it into a work of art."
The lightshades are common in markets across Hong Kong where they have become a beacon for shoppers. They are particularly synonymous with stalls selling pork or eggs and are sometimes referred to as "egg lights".
The installation's creators used 200 lightshades to create an eye-catching design giving the Hong Kong Pavilion its own beacon to attract expo visitors.
HK icon
As well as providing a futuristic and inspirational display for the pavilion, the lampshades have a deep-rooted connection to Hong Kong.
Exhibition design student Ryan Chin said the lampshades represent the first generation of 'Made In Hong Kong' products.
"They were designed back in the 1960s and are still widely produced and used today. Infinite Constellation is a great way to show people Hong Kong is a creative and modern city with a strong loyalty to its traditions."
Local creativity
Vocational Training Council Deputy Director (Projects) Lo Lee Oi-lin said the project is the brainchild of the institute, which was established by the Vocational Training Council in 2007 to provide lifelong learning in design.
"It is the institute's pride and joy to see this installation lighting up the Hong Kong Pavilion. It is especially gratifying to see this level of creativity from our staff and students using an ordinary object from our local culture - a red lightshade - and transform it into a unique light sculpture."
The Shanghai Expo opens May 1.
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