▲ Entrance of Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village @ CreatAR
SUZHOU HI-CON
Dancing iD People
Meet the Dancing iD People! This creative installation transforms a chimney into a welcoming sign at the entrance of Suzhou Moss International Industrial Design Village.
▲ Pedestrian perspective at the entrance of Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village @ CreatAR
The essence of creativity lies in infusing passion to make things happen, regardless of its form. Creativity often involves innovating upon existing ideas, sparking new connections, and harnessing energy that can transform us and bring joy.
The “Dancing iD People” is a vibrant and lively artwork that warmly welcomes visitors to Suzhou Moss International Industrial Design Village, adding an element of fun and delight upon arrival.
▲ Entrance of Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village @ CreatAR
To serve as a spiritual landmark and integrate into the overall design of the industrial village, a prominent visual element was needed. A newly constructed 24-meter-high ventilation chimney at the southeast entrance provided the perfect opportunity for transformation and enhancement.
As part of the first phase of the Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village project, the “Dancing iD People” installation will be open to the public on January 28, 2024.
▲ Before and after renovation comparison © SPARK/CreatAR
FROM CHIMNEY TO ART
The site’s regional energy station provides centralized cooling and heating, requiring a chimney to discharge steam at temperatures up to 80°C.
▲ Original chimney condition before renovation © SPARK
▲ The iD person dancing after transformation @ CreatAR
The challenge was how to transform a functional chimney into a positive, expressive image.
Design Inspiration
The concept was born on a Sunday afternoon when SPARK envisioned giving the chimney a unique personality that aligned with the overall design vision for Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village, while also reflecting the village’s brand identity.
Thus, the “Dancing iD Person” came to life!
▲ Stephen Pinbury, Director Concept Manuscript @ SPARK
The chimney was given a distinctive look: the upper part shaped as the letter “i” (representing “industry”) and the lower part as “D” (representing “design”). Together, the chimney visually embodies “iD” — the essence of industrial design.
▲ Conceptual rendering @ SPARK
▲ Conceptual rendering @ SPARK
▲ Realistic rendering of Dancing iD Person @ CreatAR
The letter “i” symbolizes the Industrial Design Village’s values: industrial, innovative, international, and iconic.
The letter “D” represents design, development, discovery, and dreams — perfectly aligning with Qingtai International Industrial Design Village’s goals.
▲ Visitor’s view of the entrance at Suzhou Qingtai International Industrial Design Village @ CreatARaEE
▲ Aerial view of the entrance @ CreatAR
The final figure is a “dancing iD person” with a white clock head, dressed in a coffee-colored polka dot top, standing on one leg in a lively dance pose — embodying energy and movement.
▲ A lively and dynamic image @ CreatAR
▲ West perspective @ CreatAR
The “Dancing iD Person” is designed to spark conversation and provide a memorable backdrop for visitors’ photos. SPARK director Min Wei explains, “We added an element of fun to this public art to make the space more inviting.”
▲ Entrance perspective of the International Industrial Village @ CreatAR
“We focus on how environments and landmarks guide people,” Min Wei continues. “The dancing iD person is an engaging and functional sculpture that communicates the spirit of the industrial design village through its three-dimensional iD graphics, guiding visitors and signaling their arrival.”
HI-CON’S SUIT
Material Selection
▲ Material texture @ CreatAR
SPARK chose materials that embody the venue’s spirit, opting for warm tones throughout the design. The upper body is crafted from copper plates, while the lower body features rusted steel plates.
▲ Twilight lighting effect @ CreatAR
▲ Material presentation @ Min Wei
▲ North side of the venue, Central Ring North Line Elevated @ Yao Jun
The circular clock atop the sculpture represents the dot of the “i” and also serves as the head of the “D” figure. The clock is tilted slightly northeast to welcome visitors arriving from the east.
▲ Northeast perspective at the entrance @ CreatAR
▲ Night view at the entrance @ CreatAR
STEAM VENTING
Steam Emissions
▲ Perforated copper plate on upper section @ CreatAR
The top section of the chimney requires over 50% permeability to effectively discharge steam at 80°C.
Southwest aerial view @ Min Wei
Through creative design and a bold expression of Suzhou Moss International Industrial Design Village’s vision, SPARK brings a playful experimental spirit and unique aesthetics to Suzhou with the “Dancing iD People”.
▲ Night scene @ CreatAR
Project Drawings
Project Information
Project Data
Length: 10.75 meters
Width: 4.4 meters
Height: 24 meters
Proposal Team: Stephen Pingboli, Lin Wenhui, Min Wei, Zhen Weirong, Ge Tiantian, Wu Qinyu
Curtain Wall: Qiang Bin, Zhang Chengbao, Sun Haojian, Zhang Qiming
Structure: Su Chunliang, Wang Wantang
Lighting: He Wei
Project Photography: CreatAR, Min Wei, Yao Jun
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