white flame installation's sharp geometry resembles ice crystals along lake in china

White Flame draws from the seasonal rhythms of Kalun Lake

The White Flame art installation, designed by Space10 Studio, was commissioned by JV Communication for the Kalun Lake Art Festival. The project draws heavily on the cultural and environmental characteristics of the Northeast region of China. The area’s natural landscape, marked by distinct seasons, is defined by mountains, lakes, and winter snow. Kalun Lake, located on the outskirts of Changchun City, transforms into a frozen ice field each winter, creating a unique seasonal landscape. This temporary environment serves as a gathering space for local residents to celebrate and connect with the natural world.

The installation responds to the physical and cultural context of Kalun Lake in winter. The design explores water’s transformative states—ice, snow, and frost—and reflects on their ephemeral nature. The structure captures the sharp geometry of ice crystals and the steep contours of snow-covered mountains. To achieve this, the design incorporates a translucent texture created through rope weaving, evoking the misty interplay of snow and fog. The public artwork integrates a metal framework to create sharp, defined shapes, complemented by the diffused light produced by the woven ropes. This combination emphasizes contrasts between the solid and the ethereal, connecting the material’s physicality with the natural elements of the frozen lake.

all images courtesy of Space10 Studio, Zheng Chunjie Team

Space10 studio incorporates dynamic internal lighting

As daylight fades, the installation transforms. Illuminated by internal lighting, it emits a soft, clear glow reminiscent of gemstones. The interplay of light and material produces dynamic optical effects, drawing parallels to auroras and crystalline structures. This transformation emphasizes the transient beauty of light and shadow, aligning with the temporary nature of the icy environment.

Through the White Flame project,  Space10 studio also explores the potential of digital media to reinterpret natural phenomena. Drawing inspiration from the dispersion of light through a prism, the installation introduces elements of chromatic variation, adding layers of visual interest that evoke auroras and other winter phenomena. The White Flame is designed to invite participation. Visitors can move through the installation, experiencing it from within and observing its interaction with the surrounding landscape. By incorporating light as a central element, the installation becomes a focal point for gathering, fostering connection among people during long winter nights.

inspired by the seasonal rhythms of Kalun Lake, the design captures the essence of ice and snow

White Flame installation bridges art and local traditions

The installation aligns with the traditions of the local community, which has long respected the seasonal rhythms of nature. By using sustainable materials and leveraging the seasonal environment, the design pays homage to the cultural and ecological significance of Kalun Lake. The work seeks to bridge art, technology, and local traditions, creating a space for shared experiences while emphasizing the connection between people and their environment. Kalun Lake, with its frozen winter landscape, becomes a temporary wonderland for celebration. The White Flame uses this unique setting to blend art and life, inviting visitors to gather, reflect, and celebrate the natural beauty of the season.

sharp geometric forms evoke the natural beauty of ice crystals and snow-covered peaks

a woven translucent texture mimics the misty interplay of snow and fog

metal frames and woven ropes combine to evoke the delicate balance of strength and fragility

the installation connects art and nature, offering a sensory experience of the frozen landscape

seasonal transitions inspire the design, reflecting the ephemerality of water’s forms

as daylight fades, the installation glows softly, echoing the brilliance of gemstones

dynamic lighting brings the installation to life, creating an interplay of light and shadow

a celebration of light and material, the installation transforms as the sun sets

light and material interact to mirror the transformation of ice and snow

digital media art adds chromatic variation, evoking auroras and crystalline phenomena

project info:

name: The White Flame

designer: Jiang Yuan / Space10 Studio
location: Kalun Lake, Jiutai District, Changchun, China

design team: Zhang Xueying, Yang Ding, He Yue, Sang Maosen, Wang Bingjie, Yang Jiao

organizer: Management Committee of Changchun Jiutai Economic Development Zone

co-organizers: Liwang Group Co., Ltd., Jilin Province, Zhongyue Sports Culture Development Co., Ltd.

art unit curator: Jiang Jian

execution & coordination: JV Communication

structural design: Luwei Architectural Structural Design Co., Ltd., MaP3 Structural Office

lighting design: LDPi Lighting Design (UK)

installation, fabrication & construction: Shandong Senwei Exhibition Co., Ltd.

projection technology support: Beijing Hualijingpeng International Cultural Communication Co., Ltd.

photographer, videographer: Space10 Studio, Zheng Chunjie Team

content editing: He Yue

video score: Zhang Xueying

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom