The Lighthouse of Wishes: A Beacon of Collective Dreams

Art Installation by Qirui Ma, Zhiyu Long, and Pengxiang Lin

On the shores of Beidaihe, the Lighthouse of Wishes stands as a testament to the power of community and the beauty of shared dreams. Designed by the innovative trio Qirui Ma, Zhiyu Long, and Pengxiang Lin, this art installation was born from the desire to democratize architectural design, allowing the public to play an active role in the creative process. The result is a New Year's Eve structure that is both a visual spectacle and a symbol of collective hope.

The Lighthouse of Wishes distinguishes itself through its unique participatory approach and its seamless integration with the surrounding environment. Adjacent to Vector Architect’s Seashore Library, the lighthouse was chosen by the Aranya Community residents as the 'best new years eve architectural proposal.' After meticulous planning and construction, the lighthouse was inaugurated on the eve of 2023, showcasing the vibrant contributions of the community.

Constructed with polycarbonate sheets, the lighthouse's facade achieves a mesmerizing translucency, creating a dynamic interplay with the natural light. The inclined layers of polycarbonate boards, supported by a robust steel structure, offer visitors a visual representation of time's passage. The lighthouse's design is a marvel of engineering, utilizing lightweight construction strategies and recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact.

By day, the Lighthouse of Wishes is a serene, translucent figure on the landscape, its semi-transparent panels reflecting the sun's rays in a kaleidoscope of colors. At night, it transforms into a luminous beacon, displaying 204 unique "wishes" that were contributed by the community. The 12-meter-tall structure serves as a guiding light, embodying the spirit and philosophy of the Aranya community.

The project's realization was not without challenges. The young design team, with a limited budget and a tight timeline, had to navigate the complexities of on-site construction and material selection. The final design cleverly balances stability, materiality, and budget constraints, resulting in a structure that stands resilient against the winter sea breezes without disturbing the beach's natural state.

The Lighthouse of Wishes is more than an art installation; it is a collaborative endeavor that has engaged both locals and visitors, allowing them to leave their mark on the structure's facade. This initiative, promoted through social media, garnered widespread participation, transforming each contributor into a co-architect of the installation. The lighthouse's design and the process behind its creation have earned it the prestigious Golden A' Design Award, recognizing its outstanding contribution to art, design, and community engagement.

In conclusion, the Lighthouse of Wishes is a shining example of how art and architecture can bring people together to create something truly extraordinary. As it stands on the coastline, it is not just a structure but a canvas of collective aspirations, guiding the way into a hopeful future.