Tunnel of Time
By integrating the story of the site, ‘tunnel of time� intends to guide its visitors to experience a series of exciting time-travelling adventures, including an enigmatic prehistory theme, a natural theme and an urban theme.
The design transfers typical historical moments during three ecological succession stages on the site into recreational, educational and commercial spaces in the tunnel. It will not only provide public spaces for the community, but connect surrounding commercial and tourist attractions, which plays a unique role in a broader city scale.
PREHISTORY
Adjacent to Dian Lake, the west part creates underwater stories revealing the site was submerged in the lake during ancient times. The place is full of lighting adventures including lighting waves on curved walls, projected underwater videos, reflected tree on land underwater, mysterious dark underwater spaces and luminated rock path.
NATURE
The best lighting conditions provide the middle tunnel with an advantage of bringing a vibrant natural scene. This part reflects the habitat of intact local forest that creates various experiential scenarios for visitors to explore, such as lush rainforest with climbers and trees, mysterious cave with mosses and ferns. Climbing net is the best place for children to experience earthquakes, which is related to Kunming being on seismic zone. With realistic painting on ground, the experience becomes more interesting and vivid. Layering seatings offer relaxing spots for parents also representing the unique Dongchuan Red Land.
URBAN
The west tunnel connects to the newly built community, so its connection with urban settings. Doors are the metaphors to open and see through from past to future, while mirrors are the reflection of past events through the tunnel. It also included the metaphors of human activities during the process of urban development including a maze that creates winding routes with limited visibility. Window-like screens combined with modular seatings offer commercial advertising opportunities.
