Flame Art Installation of Volcano

The First Sunlight at Dawn

The flame art installation of the volcano built a relationship with the surrounding nature. At the east of the zone, sunrise is the first dialogue in the environment. Based on the solar azimuth angle in the morning in early July, when the sun rises exactly over the lake, the installation elevation axis is at a right angle to the azimuth angle – 65 degrees, forming a direct sunlight line that crosses through the center of the installation. In mid-November, the sunset light shines through the installation at a right angle and disappears on the horizon of the steppe. The scene varied with time, and they would sing the praises of nature with the Choor Song at sunrise and the Mongolian Long Tune at sunset for any celebrated activities.

The Primitive Steppe Culture

The installation features a radiating formation within a circular landscape frame, inspired by the toono, the roof crown elements of a Mongolian Ger, and the radial uyk, which is the roof frame of a Ger. The dynamic outline derived from the Jiangga symbolized the highest honor for the Boke wrestler in the steppe. This 30-ton installation, composed of granite, serves as a frame for the vista. The irregular square stones were modified and resized multiple times to achieve a harmonious appearance. Each of the two stones is an anchor for strengthening itself and stabilization compared to the volcano. A hole at the lower left corner presents the tension of the structure. The bottom stone bears the weight of the installation—the random edge and trend of installation hints at an upward growth from the volcano.

The Mild Volcano upon the Land

The location of installation – Baiyinkulun Steppe & Volcano – is named after the gentlest volcano in the world. It transforms the previously horrible figure into a gentle profile because the steppe meets and covers the volcano during the geological evolution that occurred over a million years. The luxuriant grassland and volcanic greenery nourish the special volcanic ecosystem. The installation aims to highlight the spirit of the steppe & volcano, at a vast scale and with hard rock, it shapes the sculpture upon the land, it shouts out for the existence of the silent steppe & volcano.

The Flame Art Installation of Volcano seeks to be a landmark of the Xilingol Steppe. As the flame lights up and follows the sunrise through the mountains and the lake, numerous moments become meaningful due to the presence of life.

Clients: Xilinhot Jun Chi Tourism Industry Investment Co., Ltd.

Architects: PLAT ASIA

Principal architect: Bian Baoyang

Scheme design team: Liu Xinwei, Su Lede (Designer-in-residence), Yang Lu, Dong Zijuan

Construction contractor: Inner Mongolia TianLong Construction Co., Ltd.

Photo: Qing Bai, He Cong, Hairi Tegusi, Su Lede