Zhi Chulin

2143288347@qq.com

AGAINST the backdrop of Shenzhen University’s (SZU) library, several beams of long-range dazzling laser lights carved the countdown from 10 to 1, with thrilling background music and thunderous cheers mingling under the deep-blue sky. Swarms of students gathered on the lawn in front of the building for a splendid light show.

Designed by a team of students and teachers from SZU, the light show, themed “Liyuan 40th,” graced the facade of Huidian Building on the night of Sept. 25, 2023. The display was dedicated to commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding of SZU. The show featured innovative technologies such as projection, videos, as well as laser engraving and positioning, integrating art, architectural culture, and technology to immerse the audience in an audio-visual feast.

Prior to this event, a team of postgraduate students majoring in digital media and animation design and visual communication design from the Division of Arts had staged an architectural projection show on the façade of Zhiyi Building at Canghai Campus last year.

“Although the first attempt didn’t catch much attention, I recognized the creativity in their approach. I encouraged the students to actively participate in the planning and execution of a new, more attention-grabbing light show,” one of the advisers, surnamed Liao, said.

Choosing the right location was pivotal, with considerations for open space for projectors and optimal visual effects. Liao, taking these factors into account, identified Huidian Building as an excellent choice, thanks to its distinctive structure.

“The library’s surface consists of 13 vertical cross-sections, resembling a bookshelf, facilitating content creation and magnifying stereoscopic projection effects,” Liao explained.

As the light show unfolded, a bright flying light-spot drew the number 40 with a glowing trail. Subsequently, an image of a shining tree adorned with red ripe litchis appeared on the screen, echoing the real litchi trees nearby using light bands. “It was an amazing moment when the tree was lit up,” a student surnamed Chen recalled.

Liao emphasized the symbolic significance of the light dots on the litchi tree, likening them to the students in SZU, each representing a beam of light symbolizing the university’s educational practice.

The anniversary-themed light show gained considerable buzz online, amassing over 100,000 likes on the school’s official WeChat short video account. Additionally, it sparked lively discussions, particularly regarding the students who collaborated on this artistic performance.

“I can’t believe a captivating light show was made by a student team,” an anonymous netizen commented.

“I felt very happy because the show proved that our efforts have been recognized. I’m also grateful for the support the school has given us,” Guo Yuanwei, one of the student team members, said.

Inspired by the show’s success, the college decided to establish the brand “SZU Liyuan Light Show.” This brand will feature different themes in each session, aiming to enhance students’ campus experience and spotlight the university’s artistic creativity.

“The publicity department of the college will act as a base to coordinate all available resources to produce more high-quality light shows,” Liao added.