ICE·JOYS Inspiration Fermentation Lab

As part of the 2026 Migratory Birds 300 event, ZDC has partnered with Guojiao 1573 to create a pop-up space: the “Ice·JOYS Inspiration Fermentation Lab.” We aim to establish an open creative realm where nature and art converge, allowing everyone who visits to rediscover the process of inspiration—from its inception and growth to its ultimate release.
In the conceptual design, we sought to imbue the space with diversity and a sense of indeterminacy—creating a multifaceted environment that integrates elements of a bar, an architectural installation, and an exhibition. Within this diverse setting, we aim to guide people back to a genuine human state: that of being “tipsy.”
The installation as a whole extends an architectural design language, establishing spatial order through minimalist geometric forms. Its restrained aesthetic allows the focus to shift toward light, materials, the surrounding environment, and the ongoing interaction between people and the space.
In the spatial design, we primarily drew upon the imagery of the iceberg—a natural element rich in symbolic significance. While possessing a form defined by geometric purity and restraint, it harbors energy far greater than what meets the eye. It is the portion hidden beneath the water’s surface that truly determines the iceberg’s mass; the creative process works in much the same way.
As night falls, the installation begins to glow gently from within; soft, pure light radiates through its outer skin, imbuing the entire structure with a warm, layered visual atmosphere. The illumination not only delineates the installation’s form but also serves as a medium connecting people with the space—blending with the sea breeze, the beach, and the night to give the work a striking presence amidst the darkness. Shifting with the viewer’s movement and perspective, the light imbues the installation with a sense of fluid vitality, creating an immersive experience that balances tranquility with a spirit of exploration.
The “Inspiration Fermentation Lab,” created in collaboration with Guojiao 1573, not only reflects the brand’s embodiment of time, patient maturation, and craftsmanship but also aims to use art installations to foster a public space that continuously sparks creativity. Here, every participant is both an observer and a creator; for true inspiration never emerges in a flash—it ferments over time through interaction and experience, ultimately blossoming into new forms of creation.