A public installation inspired by the concept of the fifth element
Designed by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (ZDC), OAS/S-AETHER is a large-scale installation created for the ‘Migratory Birds 300’ section of Aranya Theater Festival 2026. Marking ZDC’s third beach theater for the festival, the project was developed in collaboration with Non-Essential Cooperation and Dao Niang brands, responding to the festival’s theme, ‘Gaze & Adventure’. Initiated by Liu Chang, Zhu Sha, Zheng Jing and Chen Minghao, Migratory Birds 300 brings together 300 creators from different disciplines for 300 hours of performances, residencies and collective production. The initiative focuses on themes such as redefinition, sustainability, environmental awareness and interdisciplinary exchange.
The title AETHER refers to the concept of ether, historically described as the fifth element that exists beyond earth, water, fire and air. Within the installation, the term serves as a conceptual reference to the space between nature and technology, reality and fantasy, and contemporary interpretations of communication and future civilizations. Continued ZDC in progress OAS/S seriesthe work examines the evolution of human civilization through a limited geometric language and a large scale public structure placed between sculpture and architecture.
all images courtesy of Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd., unless otherwise noted
Feather-like metallic geometry frames light, landscape and movement
Constructed of interconnected metal rods, the installation expands symmetrically from a central core before extending towards the ground on either side. The resulting silhouette is reminiscent of a bird with outstretched wings ready for flight, while its open frame maintains visual permeability between the structure and the surrounding beach landscape. The geometric composition balances structural stability with a light appearance, allowing projection and movement to pass through the installation.
Transparent acrylic lightboxes are embedded throughout the metal frame, acting as illuminated elements within the composition. Soft lighting traces the geometry of the structure, emphasizing its upward movement, while introducing a changing visual presence after sunset. Live plants placed within the illuminated fixtures introduce natural elements into the otherwise industrial material palette, creating a dialogue between vegetation, light and metal.
In the center of the installation by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (ZDC), the copper plates form a sculptural core inscribed with the graphic motif associated with the Non-Basic Partnership. From this central element, a laser beam projects vertically into the sky, connecting the installation to its wider environment. Acting as a visual signal, the beam extends the work beyond its physical structure, connecting earth and sky while enhancing the installation’s exploration of communication, technology and the relationship between human presence and the surrounding landscape.
The copper plates form the central core of the installation
report engraved graphics Insubstantial collaboration
Interlinked metal rods form the primary frame
the wing-like silhouette emerges from a central core
The geometry creates a light but stable composition
