Happyland Kid's Club: Blending Art and Technology for a Futuristic Experience

A Unique Design Inspired by Whale Island

The Happyland Kid's Club, designed by Alec Wong, takes inspiration from the concept of Whale Island. In this futuristic vision, humans and whales coexist as best friends, creating the most fun and entertaining kids-friendly island on earth. Located in Xiamen, China, the design aims to present a unique blend of art, technology, and imagination.

The main theme of this project is to blend the story of Whale Island into the kids' club design. In this vision of the future, Earth's resources are becoming limited, and humans are accepting the fact of living happily together with animals and sea creatures. Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a famous tourist spot, has been taken over by the Whale. The Happyland Kid's Club represents the futuristic vision of Gulangyu as the Whale Island, where children can immerse themselves in a world of adventure and creativity.

One of the standout features of the design is the Whale Tail, a super lighting LED screen measuring 5 meters wide by 3 meters high. This captivating visual element adds a touch of magic to the space, creating an immersive environment for children to explore and play. The kids' club is also equipped with projection games, further enhancing the interactive experience.

Designing within the parameters of the shopping mall developer guidelines posed a challenge for the project. The team had to work out the appearance of the shopfront while coordinating with the developer to remove an advertisement panel to ensure the LED screen whale tail faced the glass front. Additionally, the 8-meter clear space presented limitations due to fire code regulations, preventing the construction of a mezzanine for additional space.

The Happyland Kid's Club is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. By combining art, technology, and a futuristic narrative, Alec Wong and his team have created a space where children can embark on exciting adventures and make lasting memories. The design not only provides entertainment but also sparks curiosity and encourages exploration.

With its unique blend of art in the sea, modern graphics, and fun-filled activities, the Happyland Kid's Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience for children and their families. This innovative design showcases the potential of merging art, architecture, and technology to create immersive and engaging spaces.

The project concept design began in May 2018 in Shanghai and is set to be completed and opened in Xiamen in November 2018. The design team, consisting of Alec Wong, Henry Guan, Tarinee Manussarikarn, Supachai Bunyatsiwaport, and Lynn Guo, worked diligently to bring the vision of Whale Island to life.

The Happyland Kid's Club has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of the project, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.