Atelier I-N-D-J has revitalized Wuhan’s historic MZLY (Minzhong Leyuan), with the centerpiece being the newly added art installation “NEBULA”—an immersive lighting and sound installation spanning the 13-meter-high atrium.

“NEBULA” offers a six-minute contemplative experience, countering the fragmentation of modern life. Activated daily at sunset, the installation features 2,350 white glass bulbs combined with a specially designed soundscape and programming to create a stunning visual effect. The work symbolizes rebirth and continuity, blending old and new to evoke a sense of nostalgia and futurism.

Drawing from MZLY’s century-old tradition of performing arts, Atelier I-N-D-J has created a dynamic artwork integrating light and sound, responding to the building’s historical character and the passage of time. The design not only emphasizes spatial aesthetics but also engages visitors through the interplay of light and sound, redefining their perception of time and space.
“NEBULA” highlights the coexistence of reality and illusion, old and new, light and shadow. Despite the renovation, the designers preserved traces of time, using modern technology and artistry to create a dialogue between history and the future. The 2,300 lights, arranged in circular and infinity-symbol patterns across three levels, symbolize rebirth and the infinite nature of time. The synchronized movement of light and sound enhances the sense of dynamism within the space.

The design team collaborated with sound artists to integrate a 12-channel sound system, allowing the audio to move in sync with the lighting and enhancing the immersive sensory experience. Structurally, a lightweight design minimizes the load on the building while maximizing the visual and artistic impact within the given constraints.

Atelier I-N-D-J drew inspiration from MZLY’s historical context, respecting its cultural and historical value. The installation embodies the coexistence of new and old, reality and illusion, light and shadow, avoiding a complete overhaul while preserving and showcasing history—ensuring the building remains a spiritual landmark for the public.

The engineering team carefully assessed the building’s historical condition and load capacity to ensure the installation spans three floors without compromising structural safety, minimizing damage to original materials and reducing construction waste.

Mirror-polished stainless steel serves as the primary material, reducing additional lighting needs by light reflection, lowering energy consumption, and aligning with sustainability principles to extend the installation’s lifespan. Across three floors, 2,300 light bulbs are meticulously positioned, with 17 kilometers of cabling laid out. Each light source is precisely placed with an error margin of just 2 centimeters, ensuring accuracy in construction, minimizing material waste, and optimizing the energy efficiency of the lighting and sound systems.