Nuanu City is preparing to launch its most innovative tower in Bali, THK Tower. Combining art, culture, and cutting-edge technology, the tower is sure to be a must-visit destination for art, architecture, and technology enthusiasts while strengthening Nuanu’s position as an innovative creative area.
NUANU CITY, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – On Saturday, September 28, Nuanu City will officially open the ‘Tri Hita Karana’ (THK) Tower featuring immersive projections developed by DELIVERED., a multimedia production company that combines media art and architecture. Designed by visionary French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani, the tower is named after the Balinese philosophy of life that emphasizes harmony between humans and the creator, with fellow humans, and with nature. More than just a building, THK Tower is Southeast Asia’s first permanent hybrid installation of art and artificial intelligence (AI) — an icon of innovation that blends art and technology amidst the natural beauty of Bali. On September 13, 2024, Nuanu invites media representatives from Bali, Jakarta, Australia and India to experience the exclusive multimedia show at THK Tower.
30-meter-high Interactive Tower
At 30 meters high, with 108 steps, THK Tower serves as an interactive landmark that invites visitors to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view right on the cliffs of the black sand coast of Nyanyi Beach facing the Indian Ocean. During the day, the unique structure of rattan and ironwood exudes natural geometric beauty. At night, THK Tower transforms into a living canvas with a stunning light projection show.
The DELIVERED. team, based in Bali and Dubai, developed the entire framework of the light show and selected the best AI artists to create abstract generative art through coding. Four international AI artists — Pablo Alpe (Spanish), Ben Helm (English), Maksim Ha (American-Czech), and Aizek (Russian) — combined artificial intelligence with generative art, creating artworks that highlight three core values of Balinese philosophy: Parahyangan (human connection with the spiritual world), Palemahan (human connection with nature), and Pawongan (human connection with others). The algorithm at the heart of the show is a living and evolving entity, ensuring that each night’s performance is never the same, ensuring continuity and relevance in reflecting the values of going back to the roots in the principles of circularity and sustainability.
A Personal Touch in Every Show
Even more exciting, visitors can take part in creating the show. Through a dedicated web application, visitors can submit responses that will be converted into code by AI artists, becoming part of the design of a unique nighttime show. Each night becomes a stunning work of art that integrates personal expression and ever-changing collective relationships for visitors.
Anastasiia Filatova, CEO and Co-Founder of DELIVERED., explained that there are more than 1000 light devices installed throughout the fir.
“There are more than 1000 light devices installed throughout the tower, supported by 18 projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system. All of this comes together in an 11-minute light and sound show that can be enjoyed from various points in Nuanu, including Luna Beach Club,” said Anastasiia.
“Understanding that the Tri Hita Karana philosophy is the inspiration for Nuanu, makes the Menara THK project even more special because we have the opportunity to partner in the completion of other iconic projects such as Aurora Media Park and Daniel Popper’s Earth Sentinels. Following this show, we look forward to working with local, regional and international artists from across Bali, Indonesia and the world to showcase their talent and technology-driven skills in this stunning natural setting,” Anastasiia added.
Sustainability Behind Every Material, A Living Work
Arthur Mamou-Mani, the visionary architect best known for his ‘Galaxia’ temple at Burning Man 2018, said that THK is his first permanent installation in Asia.
“THK is my first permanent installation in Asia. A key element of this project is understanding the life cycle of each piece of reclaimed rattan and ironwood, where circularity is a key principle. Although this is a permanent landmark, the tower is designed to be dismantled, moved and developed over time without damaging the environment, but rather in a way that celebrates it,” Arthur explained.
Mamou-Mani embodies his passion for sustainable art and geometric installations through Menara THK. Together with his team, he created a structure that embodies the organic beauty of the Balinese landscape, using materials such as rattan and ironwood as not only design choices but also a commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural environment.
Arthur added that this installation is a living work where every part reflects the beauty and history of Bali.
“What I love most about rattan is its exposure to the elements that will change color over time due to exposure to natural elements, making this installation not just a static work, but a living, breathing work, where every part reflects the natural beauty and history of Bali,” Arthur explained again.
Collaborating with Local Balinese Artists
Built with materials from an abandoned railway bridge, Menara THK is the result of local craftsmen who are skilled because of their expertise and take center stage in the creation of this masterpiece. Armed with knowledge that has been passed down through generations, local craftsmen worked closely with the Mamou-Mani team, ensuring that the tower was built with Balinese cultural heritage in mind. The use of materials such as rattan and recycled ironwood was not only a design choice, but also a commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural environment. The flexibility of rattan allows for intricate, flowing shapes, while the durability of ironwood provides a strong yet elegant frame, symbolizing the harmony between tradition and innovation that defines the THK Tower.
Chiko Wirahadi, a local Balinese artist who is responsible for the creation of this dancing rattan, expressed his pride in being part of this monumental project.
“This is the first time I have been trusted to work with rattan on such a large work, and it is amazing to see the results. I, along with more than twenty local artisans, are very grateful to have received this opportunity from Nuanu,” he said.
Nuanu Offers Something for Everyone
As part of Nuanu, a 44-hectare creative city designed to foster harmony between people and nature, THK Tower is one of 32 creative projects that the area is proud of. Located just 20 minutes from Canggu and an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nuanu offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a range of facilities and events that blend art, culture and technology amidst the natural beauty of Bali.
Nuanu offers arts and cultural experiences, event spaces, world-class wellness facilities, culinary delights and a range of nature-inspired accommodations for both short-term and long-term visitors.
Education is also a core pillar of Nuanu, with the Nuanu Social Fund and international school located within the complex, fostering learning and community growth. This is evident in the benefits that the presence of THK Tower has brought to talented individuals such as traditional rattan artist Chiko, who credits Nuanu for the support and employment prospects it has provided him and the local artist community.
Nuanu’s Communication and Brand Director, Ida Ayu Astari Prada said, THK Tower is not only a tribute to the Balinese people, but is also built using materials that have been given a second life by the best hands of local craftsmen and artists.
“The various projects in Nuanu are designed to highlight the blend of tradition and modernity, especially in relation to Balinese culture. THK Tower is not only a tribute to the Balinese people, but is also built using materials that have been given a second life by the best hands of local craftsmen and artists. I am very proud to be part of a project that is the first physical manifestation in the form of art of ‘Tri Hita Karana’, the life principles of my ancestors,” said Ayu Astari.
Nuanu hopes to welcome local and international visitors to enjoy the living artwork by the sea that is the THK Tower. The THK Tower Multimedia Show will be open to the public every day starting Saturday, September 28, 2024, with no admission fee and no reservation required.***go
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