South Bank’s latest magical experience, Understory, is set to open on 15 November 2024, bringing a world-first lighting spectacular show to Brisbane. This immersive installation features 11 unique stages throughout the Rainforest Walk and invites visitors to step into a world of imagination and creativity. Inspired by the beauty of the South Bank rainforest, Understory combines architecture, animation, lighting, and soundscape design to create an experience that sparks curiosity and wonder.
Understory is designed to challenge the way we see the world around us. As visitors explore, they will encounter a series of sensory experiences that transform familiar surroundings into a fantastical world. Bubbles filled with smoke, flames emerging from water, and mythical creatures with quirky characteristics invite a sense of playfulness and delight. The experience is a celebration of the unexpected, encouraging people of all ages to view nature through a new lens.
Using advanced techniques like projection mapping and interactive Zed stereoscopic cameras, the characters interact with the landscape and visitors, creating a vibrant, responsive world. FPOV conceptualised Understory as a unique blend of nature, mythology, and technology, where each aspect complements the beauty of the rainforest. The characters, inspired by the plants of South Bank's Rainforest Walk, were brought to life using lighting projection mapping and holograms, beautifully integrated into a synchronised show that coordinates lighting, sound, video, and special effects.
The technical setup is equally impressive. Over 280,000 pixels, 800+ individual lights, four low foggers, and 17 smoke machines, all controlled by an ETC APEX lighting console, combine with lasers and atmospheric effects to create a dynamic environment that evolves with the story. An original soundtrack plays through 100 outdoor POE speakers and 25 subwoofers, ensuring that every part of the Rainforest Walk is fully immersed in sound that complements the visual spectacle.
Projection mapping, a central feature of the show, employs 20 outdoor projectors and 25 holographic spinners to animate the characters and landscape. These projections, interacting with the natural environment via Zed stereoscopic cameras, are synchronised through a custom-built network, ensuring a smooth and interactive experience for visitors.
Through a blend of design and storytelling, Understory reimagines the elements of earth, fire, air, and water. Visitors will meet the energetic Vivatwinkle, playful Nahlbows, and many other mythical creatures, each representing a unique element of nature. Lights, music, and special effects bring these characters to life, reshaping the rainforest into a work of art that offers a sensory experience like no other.
Working with South Bank Corporation, FPOV played a key role in realising this vision, transforming South Bank’s Rainforest Walk into an interactive space that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. By integrating advanced audio-visual technology and creative storytelling, FPOV ensured that every aspect of Understory engages visitors and draws them into its vibrant world.
“Understory is a wonderful journey into a fictional world,” said Bernie Tan-Hayes, CEO of FPOV. “It’s a place where plants and rocks become mythical creatures who dance and play, where smoke-filled bubbles pop, and flames come out of water. It’s all about enticing curiosity and inviting people to see things from a different perspective.”
FPOV, an industry leader in lighting, audio-visual design, and content creation, was the perfect partner for this project. Formed in 2019 through the merger of Point of View and Firefly Lighting Design, FPOV has delivered impactful experiences for clients such as Mercedes, Microsoft, MGM, Crown Resorts, and Qantas Lounges. Their expertise in combining design and technology made them the ideal choice to bring Understory’s vision to life.
Understory will run from 15 November to 26 January, offering a journey through imagination and wonder. Tickets for Understory are available via understory.net.au
Boilerplate for FPOV
FPOV is an international design consultancy specialising in lighting and AV solutions. With nine studios globally and a team of over 40 designers, FPOV is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences through light, sound, and motion. Formed in 2019 through the merger of Point of View and Firefly Lighting Design, FPOV’s portfolio includes work for Mercedes, Microsoft, MGM, Crown Resorts, and Qantas lounges.
ABOUT SOUTH BANK’S RAINFOREST WALK
Rainforest Walk is a much-loved feature of South Bank and an important part of South Bank’s biodiversity strategy and plays host to a diverse range of animals, reptiles, and insects.
Rainforest Walk is home to more than 2,000 plants across countless species, thriving in the unique, inner-city oasis.
More than 40 mature trees live in the Rainforest at South Bank, supporting a range of species including Australian Red Cedar, Black Bean, Blue Quandong, Hoop Pine, Silky Oak, various Fig species, Kentia Palms, Alexander Palm, Bangalow palms, Livistonia Palms and Kauri Pine.
The rainforest is carefully cared for by South Bank’s team of nine full-time horticulturists and two irrigation staff who work hard to keep the rainforest looking lush and green.
Approximately 80 cubic metres of composted mulch is spread through the rainforest floor yearly to ensure the plant growing environment remains moist and nutrient rich, the mulch also aids in suppressing unwanted weeds and reducing irrigation requirements.
With its own microclimate, the rainforest provides a welcome relief from Brisbane’s often hot humid summer days.
