Steel in Bloom

The goal was to deliver a multi-sensory touch point offering visitors a quiet respite amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy passenger terminal. Creating a thought-provoking hybrid display, Steel in Bloom is a novel experiential garden and a key rest stop for visitors when they enter the terminal. 


to inspire


Steel in Bloom
 was themed around the idea of synergy between organic forms and mechanical elements. The centrepiece integrates living horticultural elements while the technology aspect speaks to the innovative nature of Terminal 4. The garden layout was also inspired by the fluidity of topographical lines, visually complementing Terminal 4’s ‘petal’ concept architecture as a whole.
 

to engage

The understructure comprises expansive tree-like branches which provide structural rigidity and strength. Layered with walls of lace-like steel, botanical motifs are exquisitely detailed and rendered in a contemporary papercut style. The second layer of the structure is more dimensional and inlaid with printed lighting, a high-tech, ultra-thin (1mm) and lightweight lighting system integrated into the forms of flower blossoms and butterflies.  

The third and final layer of the structure is designed to be interchangeable, with a moveable support and interlocking edges, allowing live air plants to be integrated into the structure as part of seasonal decorations. stalled together with a light show that takes full advantage of the sculpture’s intricate form. 


to activate

Besides providing a key rest point for visitors among T4 retail shops, the garden embodies a remarkably accurate impression of Singapore as a world-class City in a Garden, introducing Singapore as a country with abundant lush greenery while remaining as a bustling metropolitan city. The main structure represents the symbiosis and interweaving of human artisanship and living plants, reminding us of the interdependence between Man and Nature. 

Multiple prototypes, including 3D printed versions and full-scale mockups, were created to achieve the final buildable sculpture. The curved convex transparent terrarium covers were particularly challenging to fabricate, with extensive trials using materials like glass and high-density acrylic required to make a viable shape and achieve the correct look. 

A zone for travellers to project their imagination and excitement while exploring the world and beholding the site of an engaging and visually-arresting landmark. 

key services

ideation & concept design

storytelling & experience

design management

related news

Steel in Bloom resides in the transit area of Terminal 4 in Changi Airport, Singapore.

A novel retail experience of tech and mobility launches with Singtel’s new box of wonder

The pop-up store was conceptualized to be a container that was modular without compromising design. A round-the-clock store kitted out with the latest digital-enabled features, service can be called upon through three video-assisted self-serve kiosks. Moving from downtown to neighborhood community, the hybrid service and lifestyle environment is shapeshifting retail experiences. 

Watch it in motion below: 

Interviews with Crystal Chu, Creative Director

As winners recently recognised in the World Exhibition Stand Awards, the exhibition industry got to hear about our creative director’s take on implementing digital solutions in virtual events of today.

Conversations about ‘phygital’ event spaces have permeated the MICE industry for years, but the impetus to find alternative digital solutions to physical events has never been greater. As a transformative group, Kingsmen has made it a point to pivot according to changing times. By predicting the market’s needs and demands, we looked into different solutions to offer brands an alternative to the mass cancellation of events globally.

Read more here.

Crystal talks about the trends in exhibition stand design, emerging technological solutions to exhibitions, and staying relevant in a digital world. She also talks about her favourite exhibition, ‘From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience’. Kingsmen had the privilege to be engaged by Singapore’s government to create a sense of newness in a narrative told dozens of times before.

Read more here.

‘From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience’