Coral Heart: A Captivating Installation Art

Combining Architecture, Lighting, and Performance Art to Convey Marine Conservation

The Coral Heart installation represents the vital role that coral plays in nurturing countless marine species. By merging architecture, lighting, and performance art, this project awakens the concept of marine conservation through its material characteristics. Initially, the coral appears bleached, symbolizing the destructive impact of human actions and environmental changes. However, as night falls and temperatures fluctuate, the lights gradually come to life, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between people and the ocean. The installation serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the gradual recovery, regrowth, and symbiosis of coral reefs.

The creation of Coral Heart involved a combination of laser cutting, precision lathe cutting, and 3D precision simulation drawings. The materials used include metal and polypropylene, carefully crafted to bring the installation to life. With dimensions of 120,000 x 100,000 x 55,000 mm, Coral Heart stands as a remarkable example of installation art, providing an immersive experience within an exhibition tunnel.

Visitors to Coral Heart can actively engage with the installation through interactive buttons. When touched, the lights dim and turn gray, representing the bleaching effect caused by human destruction and environmental changes. Over time, the lights gradually recover, transitioning into a captivating lighting program that showcases the rebirth of the coral. This daily cycle of destruction and rebirth serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the responsibility we all share in preserving it.

Originally exhibited at the 2019 Taiwan Lantern Festival, Coral Heart has found its permanent home in the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in Pingtung City, Taiwan. This location was chosen due to its significance as a travel destination, allowing visitors to interact with the installation and contemplate the impact of their actions on the environment.

The creation of Coral Heart was driven by extensive research into the destruction and rebirth of coral reefs. By combining the art of architecture and lighting, the installation serves as a powerful metaphor for the devastation caused by human activities and the potential for recovery. It reminds us that every individual has a role to play in marine conservation.

The realization of Coral Heart was not without its challenges. The sandy coastal terrain of the exhibition site posed difficulties in securely installing the installation, as well as managing large crowds during the event. However, through meticulous planning and rapid assembly, the team successfully overcame these obstacles. Additionally, the use of metal skeleton and polypropylene sheet required precise coordination between different regions, achieved through 3D model drawings and simulations.

With its stunning lighting design, Coral Heart effectively captures the vibrant colors of coral reefs and their interaction with the ocean. The interplay of light and shadow conveys the complete journey of destruction and rebirth, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation.

Coral Heart is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various entities, including the Tourism Bureau, MOTC (Taiwan), Golden Eagle International Lighting & Engineering Co., Ltd., HTLD Optical Art Aesthetics Design Co., Ltd., and LAAB Architects. Their combined expertise and dedication have brought this remarkable installation to life.

Recognized for its ingenuity and contribution to quality of life improvements, Coral Heart was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2019. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that showcase technical and creative excellence while addressing pressing global issues.