Chinese culture is rife with references to an ‘auspicious cloud,’ a meteorological representation of heaven and good luck. From 1913-1915 and 1921-1928, in fact, two versions of a ballad called Song to the Auspicious Cloud were national anthems of the Republic of China.

Shanghai-based Joy Season Studio was asked by Beijing Shine Hills – a developer of commercial complexes – to bring that metaphysical symbol to life for Design China Beijing. The company wanted to create an experience that would feel less corporate and more emotional, to really have it resonate with the visitors. But the idea wasn’t too abstract a stretch – they took cues from their own name. In Chinese, the meaning of Shine Hills is ‘auspicious cloud.’

To build the fantasy, Joy Season used acrylic plates with shimmering covers and polished steel for the ground, to reflect the people walking inside the installation. After the construction was finished, the space was filled with refracted coloured light that bounced off the plates.