The Rolling X
Interactive Snow Globe
Rolling X was a collaborative project between Anyways Studio, the design agency Dogma Lab, and 100 Architects in Shanghai, designed to explore the interplay of light, sound, and tangible interactions in public spaces. This 15-meter-high installation, inspired by the iconic snow globe, featured a crystal-like Christmas tree at its center, surrounded by an all-white ball pit, a slide, and interactive touchpoint that allowed visitors to manipulate the LED lighting display of the globe.
The concept of the installation was to create a winter playground that captured the spirit of Christmas by bringing people together. Inspired by the iconic snow globe, Rolling X invited participants to engage in playful interactions and collaborative experiences. Visitors could touch, play, and explore the installation, triggering light and sound feedback to illuminate the tree and enhance the festive atmosphere. By merging light, sound, and immersive play, Rolling X transformed a public space into a magical holiday dreamscape, inviting families and friends to connect and celebrate. It exemplifies how tangible interfaces and interactive systems can create immersive environments that bring people together, sparking joy and contemplation.
The base of the installation was designed to serve a dual purpose: providing structural support for the weight of the ball-shaped framework while also functioning as an interactive playground. Visitors could enter this space and immerse themselves in a ball pit filled with white plastic balls, evoking a sense of playfulness and wonder. Access to the ball pit was facilitated by a slide, encouraging playful engagement from audiences of all ages. Additionally, the control room for the installation’s lighting system was discreetly housed within this level, enabling real-time adjustments to the dynamic LED light display.
The tree structure serves as the centerpiece of the globe, inviting audience interaction through capacitive touch. When visitors touch the tree, it responds with dynamic lighting effects, creating moments of joy, wonder, and a holiday atmosphere. Visitors can enter the space beneath the tree, where looking upward reveals a grand, kaleidoscope-like visual experience. This immersive perspective offers a dreamlike ambiance within the installation.
The globe structure complete the experience with a grand nightly light show, engaging a broader audience beyond those inside the installation. Visible from a distance, it transforms the public space into a festive centerpiece. During the daytime, the surface of the globe is coated with special films that react to sunlight, creating shifting colors that change with the viewing angle. This dynamic, color-shifting effect adds a sense of wonder even without artificial lighting. At night, multiple sets of programmed lighting sequences are scheduled to run, offering a vibrant, ever-evolving display. These light shows celebrate the spirit of Christmas, building excitement as the holiday season reaches its peak.
