Sound and Lighting Design for "Fractal Forest" at The Henderson Hong Kong

Fractal Forest (2025) by Stickyline X Leanna Lee

Fractal Geometry and the FIbonacci Sequence

Stickyline X Leanna Lee has created these exquisite trees. The surfaces of the trees are made of reflective material, which is an extremely beautiful yet bold design choice. Given that the trees' structure is based on fractal geometry, I sought to incorporate similar principles into the musical composition. To achieve this, I turned to the Fibonacci Sequence, which is frequently associated with the golden ratio and fractal geometry. This sequence begins with 0 and 1, with each subsequent number being the sum of the previous two. As the sequence progresses, the ratio between consecutive numbers gradually converges towards the golden ratio—an irrational number, much like pi. That is, one can approximate it to an extremely high degree, yet never attain it in absolute perfection.

The Composition- Spiral Resonance

The application of the Fibonacci Sequence in this composition follows a structured approach: I selected an initial note at random, and the sequence determined the subsequent pitches. The rhythmic patterns were also derived from this numerical progression. Following these rules, I composed four melodies and layered them across more than 20 different textures to create depth and complexity. Only two creative decisions were left to my discretion: whether each interval ascended or descended and how the various melodic layers were arranged and textured. To make the piece more accessible to listeners, I incorporated a classic synth 808 drum track.

This Fibonacci-inspired piece, Spiral Resonance, has a duration of just over one minute and is played at the top and every half hour. During the remaining time slots, a more approachable composition titled Fairyland, also my work, is played.

LED strips are embedded along the trunk and at the tips of the branches.

Synchronised Lightshow

To complement the musical pieces, I designed synchronised lighting for the lights embedded in the trees, which can be viewed on the half-hour each evening between 6 and 11 pm. The lighting is programmed using a DMX control system to remain precisely synchronised with the music. I am deeply grateful to the Stickyline team for their invaluable support, which enabled me to complete this project remotely.

As the lighting and sound must be tightly synchronised to the rhythmic structure, they required precise alignment on a single timeline rather than being triggered separately. To achieve this, I developed a MAX patch to control the specific combinations of sound and lighting for each scheduled time slot. Having not taught interactive media in recent years, it had been some time since I last worked with MAX, and I hope to have more opportunities to use it more frequently in the future.

The installation is located at The Henderson, a striking new skyscraper in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the tower is a sculptural landmark blending futuristic form with sustainable innovation.

On view until 31 May—don’t miss it!

🎧 Spiral Resonance plays on the hour, with a synchronised light show at the half-hour between 6-11pm.

📍 The Henderson Art Garden. 2 Murray Road, Central, Hong Kong.