The Changi Airport Group commissioned us with a task of creating a large scale installation in their newly opened Terminal 4, to create a sense of identity to the space as well as to induce calmness for the roughly 16 million travellers per annum. A particular challenge lied in the dimensions of the Central Galleria that stretches over 200m length, 18m width and 20m height, connecting transit and public areas. The kinetic piece was to be installed under the glass roof, be visible from all levels and connecting areas and creating an unforgettable experience for the travellers.

We created six kinetic sculptural forms that together perform a spatial choreography create a sense of continuity und unity during the passenger experience in the terminal: you can see the sculpture almost everywhere at the terminal, and the graceful movement serves as the “extraordinary constant in the space.” The calming music–composed by well-known Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds–accompanies the installation’s mesmerising choreography. His composition plays through speakers at multiple vantage points. Additionally, travellers in transit can listen to the music on their cell phones, with the use of the iChangi App. The design of Petalclouds’ basic element—a symmetrical petal shape inspired by orchid petals—is found throughout the architecture and interior design of the terminal.

For Petalclouds we tried a number of different shapes and materials leading us to rounded triangles made of aluminum with integrated LED bands. The light animation emphasises the movement of individual elements, as well as the sculptures or the installation as a whole. In the latter case, the light might travel from one element to the next as well as through the entire installation successively.

Each element is attached to two motors by four thin steel cables, performing vertical and horizontal movements. An authoring tool was specially developed to simulate the controlling of the 192 motors and the light in order to design the complex choreography based on three basic themes: circle, wave and morph.

As the installation is the most prominent bespoke experiential element in the terminal, it’s primary function is to create a sense of uniqueness and awe to the space. Continuous stream of social media mentions on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tripadvisor etc is testament to the transformative power of the installation. The installation was featured in a documentary by National Geographic TV.

The design, realisation and operational costs of the work is part of the Changi Airport’s general business model, and provide substantial value and authority to the organisation.