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Pals x Spark Arena
This project was for Pals, a well-known New Zealand RTD drink brand and a long time client of the Department of Arts. They secured a contract to run a primary bar inside Spark Arena in Auckland, one of the city's largest venues, and we were responsible for designing, fabricating, and installing their custom bar.
3D Design
Experience Design
Spatial Design
3D visualisation
Event Design
Experience
Challenge
The key challenge was working within the existing space restrictions. We couldn't alter the venue's structure permanently—no knocking down walls or major fabrication—so everything had to be temporary, easy to remove, and leave the space as we found it.
Approach
We went for high visual impact by painting all surfaces in Pals’ signature pink, creating a bold and recognizable backdrop. We added classic canvas awnings and introduced illuminated signage—including lollipop signs and overhead pill-shaped signs—so the bar stood out both day and night. The bar was double-sided, with a circular array of LED “disco plates” overhead, ensuring it looked vibrant and inviting regardless of the time of day.
Install moments.
Output
The final installation was a striking two-sided bar within Spark Arena, featuring bold pink surfaces, double-sided awnings, and a distinctive array of LED lighting. It was a clean, eye-catching activation that lasted for about three years, remaining just as impressive at the end of its run as it was at the start.
Overall, the Pals bar was a great success, delivering a memorable and vibrant brand presence in Spark Arena for multiple years. It was a pleasure working with the Pals team on such a distinctive and enduring project.
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