Wynn Macau Casino Kinetic Atrium

Interchangeable Kinetic Atrium

McLaren Engineering Group engineered the award-winning (2009 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement) Kinetic Atrium at the Wynn Casino in Macau, China. At the center of the entertainment complex, the Golden Atrium’s architectural elements transform the indoor piazza with a spectacular multi-media performance of kinetic sculpture, video, light, and music.

The aesthetic combines astrological symbols from east and west with universal symbols of good fortune including the Chinese zodiac and western zodiacs, a golden tree, and a glittering crystal chandelier. The kinetic elements are driven by several large custom mechanical assemblies and morph several times each day.

The stars of the show, are two interchangeable kinetic displays, each on their own slip-stage. They load onto the lift in the basement below the atrium before rising into place to dazzle patrons with an immersive experience.

First, Golden “Tree” revolves as it rises from the ground as a cultural symbol of good luck. Next, an animated Dragon emerges adorned with a lotus flower and exhibiting smoking nostrils and a bobbing head.

Each element is unveiled through a partial dome in the atrium’s floor. As the elements dance into place, the floor breaks into six parts, creating an opening for a mechanical lift to elevate them into full view.

The show also features a 65-foot diameter sculpted dome ceiling featuring the Chinese zodiac that opens into a 12-section iris. When open, the iris uncovers an overhead LED screen, that later splits into two halves to reveal a black void filled with a massive chandelier.  The 30-foot diameter chandelier changes shape vertically as it lowers and contains 15,000 crystals each embedded with an LED for dynamic illumination.

The McLaren Difference: Applied Ingenuity

McLaren was involved in this project from start to finish. The team began with concept level feasibility studies and continued engineering all the way through fabrication and construction.

In between, the firm performed computerized pre-visualization animations, preliminary engineering, development of technical specifications, bidding support, and final design of the major effects.  The firm’s participation also included full-time technical representation on behalf of the owner in the fabrication shop and then during on-site installation.

Our Entertainment Engineers and mechanical specialists designed various methods of actuating different systems, including rack and pinion actuators, large-bore pneumatic actuators, ball-screw linear actuators, and wire-rope winches. There were large-scale protective interlocks incorporated to the specifications, as well as innovative components for precise synchronization to help make the magical display move seamlessly.