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 the 2026 Aranya Theater Festival. Marking ZDC’s third beach theater for the festival, the project was developed in collaboration with the brands Non-Essential Cooperation and Dao Niang, 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 collaborative production. The initiative centers on themes including redefinition, sustainability, environmental awareness, and interdisciplinary exchange.
The title AETHER refers to the concept of ether, historically described as the fifth element existing 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 imagination, and contemporary interpretations of communication and future civilizations. Continuing ZDC’s ongoing OAS/S series, the project examines the evolution of human civilization through a restrained geometric language and a large-scale public structure positioned between sculpture and architecture.
all images courtesy of Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd., unless stated otherwise
Wing-Like Metal Geometry Frames Light, Landscape, and Movement
Constructed from interconnected metal rods, the installation expands symmetrically from a central core before extending toward the ground on both sides. The resulting silhouette recalls a bird with outstretched wings poised for flight, while its open framework maintains visual permeability between the structure and the surrounding beach landscape. The geometric composition balances structural stability with a lightweight appearance, allowing views and movement to pass through the installation.
Transparent acrylic lightboxes are integrated throughout the metal framework, functioning 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. Living plants placed within the illuminated components introduce natural elements into the otherwise industrial material palette, establishing a dialogue between vegetation, light, and metal.
At the center of the installation by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (ZDC), copper plates form a sculptural core engraved with the graphic pattern associated with Non-Essential Cooperation. 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 project beyond its physical structure, linking earth and sky while reinforcing the installation’s exploration of communication, technology, and the relationship between human presence and the surrounding landscape.
copper plates form the installation’s central core
engraved graphics reference Non-Essential Cooperation
interconnected metal rods create the primary framework
the wing-like silhouette emerges from a central core
geometry creates a lightweight yet stable composition