September 28, 2024 will mark a significant milestone as Nuanu Creative City proudly inaugurates the THK Tower. This landmark stands not only as a testament to Bali’s rich heritage but also as a pioneering venture into the fusion of art and artificial intelligence. Developed by DELIVERED., a leader in media architecture and immersive experiences, and designed by the esteemed French architect Arthur Mamou-Manithe, THK Tower is set to become a beacon of harmony, creativity, and sustainability in the region.
A Visionary Design Inspired by Balinese Philosophy
The THK Tower draws its name and inspiration from the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. This ancient principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony between the divine, humanity, and nature. At 30 meters tall, the tower boasts 108 steps leading visitors to an interactive landmark situated atop Nyanyi’s famous black sand beach, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Mamou-Mani, celebrated for his award-winning projects like the ‘Galaxia’ temple at Burning Man in 2018, shared his enthusiasm:
“THK is my first ever permanent installation in Asia. A key part of the process was understanding the lifecycle of every strip of rattan and ulin, which is known as ‘iron wood’ in English. Reclaiming these materials was essential to our commitment to circularity. Although the tower is a permanent landmark in Nuanu , it is designed to be disassembled, moved, evolved, and broken down over time in a way that honors and extends the environment.”
Integrating Art and Artificial Intelligence
The THK Tower stands as the largest permanent hybrid art-AI installation in the region, showcasing the seamless integration of technology and design. DELIVERED spearheaded the development of the tower’s immersive light and sound shows in collaboration with four exceptional AI artists, Pablo Alpe, Ben Helm, Maksim Ha, and Aizek.
DELIVERED aims to foster a deeper connection between the THK Tower and its audience. Through a custom web application, visitors can interact with the installation by responding to prompts, with their inputs translated into code that influences the nightly displays. This interactive feature transforms each show into a collective, ever-changing masterpiece, allowing visitors to leave a personal imprint on the artwork.
Anastasiia Filatova, Co-Founder and CEO of DELIVERED., elaborates on the technological marvel:
“There are over 1,000 light fixtures installed throughout the Tower, with 18 projectors housed in 12 surrounding mini towers, alongside a custom sound system and climate control box. This setup is brought to life in an 11-minute light and sound show, viewable from various points across Nuanu, including Luna Beach Club. Our collaboration with these talented artists allows us to create a display that not only dazzles visually but also resonates on a deeper cultural level.”
The AI-driven light show draws heavily from Balinese traditions, specifically Parahyangan (the relationship between humans and the spiritual world), Palemahan (the relationship between humans and nature), and Pawongan (the relationship between humans and each other). The core algorithm of the display acts as a living entity, constantly evolving to ensure that no two shows are alike. This dynamic approach reinforces the themes of circularity and sustainability inherent in Balinese culture.
Sustainable Craftsmanship and Local Collaboration
Mamou-Mani’s dedication to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the THK Tower’s construction. Sourced from an abandoned railway bridge, the tower is a collaboration with local craftsmen renowned for their expertise. By utilizing materials like rattan and ulin wood, the project not only honors Bali’s cultural heritage but also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship. Rattan’s flexibility and ulin wood’s durability were pivotal in creating the tower’s intricate, flowing forms and robust framework. Mamou-Mani adds:
“What I love about the use of these materials is that because of their exposure to the elements, the rattan will change color over time. The whole idea is that it is not a static installation, but a living, breathing piece of art, where every line, hole, and curve represents a piece of Bali’s forests and history.”
An Invitation to Experience
The THK Tower is set to become a living artwork by the sea, inviting both local and international visitors to immerse themselves in its dynamic displays. Starting September 28, 2024, the tower’s light and sound show will be open to the public daily, free of charge and without the need for reservations. Whether witnessing the mesmerizing projection mapping at night or exploring the interactive features during the day, visitors will find themselves enchanted by the harmonious blend of Bali’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge technology.
Ida Ayu Astari Prada, Nuanu’s Director of Brand and Communications, expressed her pride in the project:
“Nuanu’s various project sites were designed to highlight the fusion of tradition and modernity, particularly in Balinese culture. The THK Tower is a prime example of this, as it not only pays tribute to the people of Bali but also utilizes materials given a second life by the hands of the best local artisans and craftsmen. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of a project that is the first physical embodiment in an art form of ‘Tri Hita Karana’, the guiding principle of my ancestors.”
Project Name: THK Tower
Location: Nuanu, Bali, Indonesia
Design Company: Mamou-Mani – DELIVERED – Nuanu
Lead Architect: Arthur Mamou-Mani
Year: 2024
Built / Unbuilt: Completed – Opens on September 28,2024
Photography: Courtesy of Nuanu Creative City
Software Used: Midjourney, Dall-E, Others
