Peak Tram

Multidimensional experiences unfold across physical, chronological, technological and human realms. You’d be hard pressed to find a better canvas for applying the principles of MDX than the Peak Tram. Though it could accommodate four million passengers annually, wait times often exceeded two hours. With those iconic views tantalizingly out of reach, visitors — to say nothing of locals who relied on the tram every day — often grew exasperated.

The Peak Tramways Company committed to a full-scale overhaul of the tram experience in 2018, including new cars and haulage that would drastically cut wait times and increase capacity. Beyond these operational improvements, the company also wanted guests to experience the natural beauty of Victoria Peak and historical value of the tram long before the nearly 400-meter climb to the summit. For that, they turned to Journey.

Collaborating with Sarner International, we conceived of a multidimensional experience that would recast the queue from a chore to a joy.

Just before boarding, visitors pass through a full-immersion, wraparound video installation, with wall-and ceiling-length LED screens mirroring the beauty of Victoria Peak. Key to realizing our design ambition was our adoption of Unreal Engine, a 3D platform traditionally used by video game developers. Applying the chronological dimension of MDX, we depicted woodlands, flora and fauna as they’d appear at different seasons and times of day, from dawn to dusk. This physical and chronological immersion in a place simply wouldn’t have been possible without the compute and rendering power of Unreal.

In the waiting area between the main entrance and ticketing counters, a large AV installation employs mixed-media animation and archival footage to relay key moments in Peak Tram history. A digital timeline highlights social history, milestones and technological development from 1888 to the present.

A historical haulage room equipment display addresses MDX’s chronological dimension. Projection mapping and lighting design bring to life the four technological eras the Peak Tram has witnessed: steam, electric, microprocessor, and the present day.

As they disembark at the Upper Terminus, guests encounter a film highlighting the peak’s various attractions as well as the extensive engineering and aesthetic reinventions this quintessential feature of Hong Kong life has received over its nearly 140-year history.

Whether just starting their visit or walking with nothing above them but sky, visitors now get more than a voyage with a view. They get an experience that engages them across every dimension of their lived experience.