Mystica - Night Safari

Event Design by Aris Mannequis

The design and installations of Mystica took inspiration from tribal motifs and animals. The goal was to create a mysterious and tribal atmosphere in the Night Safari section of the Wildlife Reserve Singapore. The event featured several nooks that educated people about environmental issues, and younger audiences could engage in treasure hunts.

The unique properties of this design lie in its focus on lighting and creating a mysterious atmosphere. The use of wood as the basic material for the fixtures, along with stickers to enhance texture, adds to the tribal aesthetic. Additional materials such as weatherproof acrylics, dried leaves, cloths or nets, and lighting were used to complement the ambiance and blend into the natural environment.

The technical specifications of the design include an entrance decoration area of 7m x 4m, a queue entrance arch of 9.4m x 4m, a cave photo op of 3.6m x 2.9m, and a pillar of 2.4m.

Mystica was an open event held in the Night Safari section of the Singapore Zoo. The fixtures were strategically placed around the zoo to enhance the experience and serve as photo features for tourists. Performances dressed in the tribal theme also roamed around to further immerse visitors in the atmosphere.

The project started in September 2015 and was completed in December 2015. Extensive research was conducted to understand the theme of 'Mystica' and the space at the Night Safari Zoo. The design team drew inspiration from the surrounding environment, incorporating tribal motifs and animals as the main graphic elements.

The design presented several challenges, including creating a magnificent setup for the large space provided and considering the lighting effects in the dark environment. Additionally, the choice of materials was crucial due to the lack of shelter in most areas.

Mystica - Night Safari was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2016 for its outstanding and creatively ingenious design. This award recognizes designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The design contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.