Calgary Zoo Lantern Festival: From Design to Installation
For Illuminasia 2015 at Calgary Zoo, Star Factory Lantern delivered animal lantern displays and a hands-on family workshop. We handled design, production and transport, worked with the local team on installation, and maintained the displays throughout the event.
Working Closely with Calgary Zoo
Our close, positive working relationship with Calgary Zoo helped keep design, installation and event preparations coordinated. We bring that experience to the way we work with your venue team.
Six themed areas shaped the visitor route
We brought animal displays, cultural themes and hands-on activities together across six areas, giving families different ways to enjoy the festival during their zoo visit.
Wildlife area
We developed recognizable land-animal groups as prominent displays and family photo points.
Aquatic life area
Aquatic animals and plants added another habitat theme to the festival.
North American culture
Regional cultural elements connected the displays with the Calgary setting.
Traditional culture
Chinese lantern-making traditions gave the event a cultural dimension.
Learning area
Educational themes gave families more to explore during their zoo visit.
Interactive workshop
We prepared small lanterns that visitors could decorate and take home.
Lifelike Animal Lanterns, Day and Night
Natural poses, expressive faces and carefully finished surfaces help us give each animal its own character. We combine those details with lighting to create displays that appeal to visitors before sunset and after dark.
We develop the animals and surrounding scenery to suit your setting, with clear viewing positions and practical access for installation and maintenance.
Delivery Backed by On-Site Experience
Designing and building the displays is only part of our work. At Calgary Zoo, we also managed transport, worked with the local installation team and maintained the products during operation.
For your project, we coordinate responsibilities early so the factory, venue and installation crew can work to the same plan.
Lifelike Animal Lanterns
We create animal lanterns with expressive faces, natural poses and detailed finishes. From individual wildlife figures to larger themed scenes, we develop the animals and lighting together for your zoo or park.
Close Collaboration with Venue Teams
We worked closely with Calgary Zoo’s team throughout the project, keeping design, installation and event preparations aligned. We bring the same clear communication and practical cooperation to your venue.
Smooth Installation with Local Crews
We work alongside local installation teams to coordinate assembly, positioning and lighting connections. Clear communication and on-site support help your crew install the displays efficiently and prepare for opening.
A hands-on lantern workshop for families
We prepared small animal lanterns with white surfaces for visitors to decorate. Families added their own colors and patterns, then took their finished lanterns home.
Alongside your main displays, we can supply small lanterns and help you plan a creative activity for families. We coordinate the materials and activity arrangements with your venue.
From Your First Brief to Opening Day
We agree the design work, production updates, packing information and site support your team needs before the project begins. Each stage connects the workshop with the people preparing your venue.
- Design around your venue
- We use your species list, site plan and dimensions to develop the animal forms, layout and lighting with your team.
- Clear production updates
- We agree the photographs and checks you need to review animal detail, finishes, lighting and transport sections while production is under way.
- Shipping and site assembly
- We coordinate packing and assembly information with the receiving crew, including section identification, handling arrangements and the agreed installation support.
- Support through the event
- We plan maintenance access and operating support with your venue. If your programme includes a workshop, we also coordinate the small lanterns, materials and activity arrangements.
Our design, production and installation services explain how we can support each stage of your project.
Plan an animal-themed lantern festival
Share your venue, opening date, preferred animals and delivery destination. We’ll help you bring design, production and on-site work into one practical plan. Add any local crew or workshop requirements to your brief.