THG fashions ‘kinetic pavilion’ for Macau Galaxy casino

THG has produced a shimmering glass sculpture environment, described as a ‘kinetic pavilion’ and crafted from more than 380,000 precision-cut Bohemian crystals, at the Galaxy Macau hotel and casino in Macau. Further highlighting this centrepiece are 24 GLP impression X4 Bar 20 wash lights, all DMX controlled, which colour ash the crystal dome.

The expansive project was a collaborative effort involving a worldwide team of 450 designers, artisans, engineers and craftspeople from over 25 countries, including Creative Lighting Asia (CLA), which supplied and installed the X4 Bar 20 battens as part of a complete lighting and control package.

CLA had been recommended to THG by another of the project’s creative teams, having carried out a number of installation projects for Galaxy Entertainment Group, the ultimate client, over a long period. Having bid successfully, their fixture purchase and installation was based on a lighting design specification created by US-based DFD, which undertook all programming and then uploaded the files remotely.

Speaking of the role of the impression X4 Bar 20s, CLA Group director of sales and marketing Paul Rees states: “GLP products have a very good name on the market so are always an option for upcoming projects. In this instance they are used to provide a consistent wash light during the static period, and a strong colour wash during show time.”

The animated Crystal Lobby Show features 32 dancing fountains, eight leaping water jets and an immense moving ceiling of 24 overlapping, crystal-clad petals and 12 rotating crystal chandeliers – all centred on an elegant, airborne crystal lotus flower. These elements synchronise to original music in an immersive spectacular of light, colour and sound.

There are three different choreographed shows, each with durations between two and a half and three minutes. One is tailored to the Christmas period, one to Chinese New Year and the third for the remaining times of the year.

The visitor attraction was launched with the first spectacular show, The Phoenix Returns, celebrating the lunar new year by honouring the auspicious arrival of Fenghuang, the immortal, multicoloured mythological bird whose rare appearance is said to be an omen foretelling harmony. Heralded by soundtrack and visuals conjuring drums, music, fireworks, firecrackers and traditional red lanterns, this display celebrates the arrival of the New Year, which brings new opportunities for continued prosperity and joyfulness.

The project marks a triumph for the THG team, headed by Justine Huseth, and in particular David Finn, who was the overall lighting designer.

Reviewing the attraction, Michael Muenz, general manager of GLP Asia, comments: “We were very excited to be contacted by CLA, and invited to play a role in this unique installation project. Thanks to the diligence of our Hong Kong office, all communications and shipping between Hong Kong and CLA’s Macau office was effortless, and everything went according to plan.”