Designers always want to enhance the site's uniqueness in their design. However, for The MIST, its best attribute is hidden down below. Our design challenge is how to capture the beauty of the invisible underground water. The inspiration came from the beauty of the hot spring steam itself. The project attempts to heighten its surreal and mystic beauty, in all design aspects, from master layout, to architecture and its interior space.
Large site-specific installations exploring natural phenomenon relating to mist and water were specially-designed and installed throughout the resort as the main elements that tie the entire experience together.
For the lobby and bar, an installation made of hundreds layers of clear and color crystals is inspired by a spectrum of light passing through hot steam which can be viewed differently depending on position of the viewers. The interior space is kept monochrome with color accents in crystals in the installation and in floor lighting sculptures.
In the restaurant, an installation inspired by silver-lining silhouette of steam defines seating and kitchen zones. Color-changing light at the edge of the acrylic planes gives different moods to different time of the day.
In the ballroom, a matrix of 45,000+ acrylic rings forms a semi-transparent, irregular cloud-like shape. Color-changing lighting rings scattered in the midst of the cloud installation creates different ambiance suitable to specific functions held in the ballroom.
Large installations in the two guest room atriums inspired by two states of water - the Dew and the Droplet, accentuate the intricate vertical voids, and create an experience of an illusive sense of scale and gravity.
The role of Art installations in the project is not decorative. They are inseparably integrated with the architecture, to enhance its spatial character, to respond to its functions, and to stimulate guests' sensory experiences.