Gensler Design Firm, Kilroy Realty Firm, Gwangju Media Arts Festival
The Lava Lamp – AN AMBIENT Digital Installation for Gensler
The Lava Lamp is a continuous-loop 3D animation created for the DxD screen at Gensler Design Firm's Austin lobby. Designed to encapsulate Gensler's brand essence, the piece offers a soothing, ever-changing visual experience reminiscent of a real lava lamp.
Beyond its initial installation, the animation was showcased at the Gwangju Media Arts Festival in South Korea, highlighting its international appeal.
Deliverables:
High-Definition 3D Animation, Motion Design, Installation-Ready Visuals
High-Definition 3D Animation, Motion Design, Installation-Ready Visuals
Project Type:
Digital Art Installation for Corporate Lobby & International Exhibition
Digital Art Installation for Corporate Lobby & International Exhibition
Team:
Mostafa Amir (collaborator) and myself
Mostafa Amir (collaborator) and myself
Business Goal
To enhance Gensler's Austin lobby with a dynamic visual centerpiece that reflects the firm's innovative spirit and provides a calming atmosphere for visitors.
USER IMPACT Goal
To captivate and relax lobby visitors through a fluid, ambient animation that subtly communicates Gensler's commitment to design excellence.
DESIGN PROCESS
01 / Research & Conceptualization
We began by exploring the calming effects of fluid motion in visual media. Studying the physics of lava lamps and their hypnotic qualities informed our approach to creating a digital counterpart that evokes similar feelings of tranquility.
We began by exploring the calming effects of fluid motion in visual media. Studying the physics of lava lamps and their hypnotic qualities informed our approach to creating a digital counterpart that evokes similar feelings of tranquility.
02 / Storyboarding & Motion Planning
Initial sketches and motion studies were developed to map out the animation's flow. We focused on creating seamless transitions and organic movements that would loop indefinitely without noticeable start or end points.
Initial sketches and motion studies were developed to map out the animation's flow. We focused on creating seamless transitions and organic movements that would loop indefinitely without noticeable start or end points.
03 / 3D Modeling & Texturing
Utilizing advanced 3D software (Blender), we crafted the lava-like forms and applied textures that mimicked the translucency and color gradients of real molten wax. Lighting was carefully adjusted to enhance depth and realism.
Utilizing advanced 3D software (Blender), we crafted the lava-like forms and applied textures that mimicked the translucency and color gradients of real molten wax. Lighting was carefully adjusted to enhance depth and realism.
04 / Animation & Rendering
The modeled elements were animated to simulate the buoyant rise and fall characteristic of lava lamp blobs. High-resolution rendering ensured clarity and vibrancy on the large DxD screen.
The modeled elements were animated to simulate the buoyant rise and fall characteristic of lava lamp blobs. High-resolution rendering ensured clarity and vibrancy on the large DxD screen.
05 / Integration & Testing
We collaborated with Gensler's technical team to ensure the animation displayed correctly on the lobby's screen. Testing involved assessing the loop's smoothness and the visual impact in the actual space.
We collaborated with Gensler's technical team to ensure the animation displayed correctly on the lobby's screen. Testing involved assessing the loop's smoothness and the visual impact in the actual space.
06 / Exhibition & Feedback
Following its successful installation at Gensler, The Lava Lamp was selected for display at the Gwangju Media Arts Festival. Feedback from both venues highlighted the piece's ability to engage and soothe viewers, affirming its effectiveness as a digital installation.
Following its successful installation at Gensler, The Lava Lamp was selected for display at the Gwangju Media Arts Festival. Feedback from both venues highlighted the piece's ability to engage and soothe viewers, affirming its effectiveness as a digital installation.
Artist Showcase at GMAF
GMAF Banner - green iteration
GMAF
Round-Up
The Lava Lamp project exemplifies how digital art can transform physical spaces, creating immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. By blending artistic vision with technical precision, we delivered a piece that not only enhanced Gensler's lobby but also garnered international recognition.
