Reimagining Stage and Space with DuckUnit
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, the innovative studio DuckUnit pushes the boundaries of design through their unique use of light and mechanics to craft extraordinary events. Known for their exceptional stage designs, the studio was founded in 2005 by Wit Pimkanchanapong and is now led by Rueangrith Suntisuk and Pornpan Arayaveerasid. The studio has evolved from creating concert experiences to engaging in contemporary art installations.
Recently, while working on a project in Paris, Rueangrith Suntisuk discussed with designboom the studio’s technical endeavors and their influence in the worlds of music and art.
Innovative DuckUnit Stage Design Installations at Brussels’ Kunstenfestivaldesarts
DuckUnit completed a remarkable installation titled “A Flower of Forgetfulness” at the international performing arts festival in Brussels. Their stage design expertise shone through as they collaborated with Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, sound engineers Akritchalerm Kalayanamitr, and Koichi Shimizu, transforming an old chapel into an immersive performance space using video projections, sound, and light.
For another perspective on blending art and innovative design, explore how Vincent Leroy’s Kinetic Sculptures transform landscapes with light and motion.
Suntisuk reflects on their beginnings: “We started as a design collective across various fields. DuckUnit symbolizes our endless curiosity and willingness to explore the unknown.”
From Concert Stages to Dynamic Art Spaces
Discussing their traditional stage work, Suntisuk commented, “We aim for the audience to share a unified perspective.” Notably, their design work on the FLURE LIFE concert for a Thai alt-rock band seamlessly integrated narrative visuals with the live music set.
In contrast, DuckUnit’s installations like “Embargo of Silence” and “Two Who Remember the Sea” invite audiences to interact and become an intrinsic part of the art, exploring diverse interpretations and unseen beauty.
Blurring Lines Between Audience and Spectacle
The studio’s concept for immersive environments includes innovations like silent discos and the conceptual “Love after Death” by artist Korakrit Arunanondchai at the 2025 Taipei Biennial. The art installation employed light projections on semi-transparent panels, showcasing DuckUnit’s expertise in stage crafting and engaging the audience’s senses uniquely.
Learn about another innovative project, as Michael Jantzen’s Interactive Pavilion redefines architecture with dynamic, user-engaged transformations.
“In concerts, satisfaction begins high,” Suntisuk explains. “In art, attention builds from zero. Understanding these dynamics has reshaped our newer work and the way we approach stage design.”
Developing New Technical Abilities
DuckUnit continues to experiment with scenographic techniques. Their works, a testament to their innovative stage design, often blend fabric, smoke, motors, and projections. “We try to control these elements and let them evolve naturally, leading to unforeseen artistic phenomena,” Suntisuk notes.
DuckUnit, known as DuckUnit and on Instagram as @duckunit_, stands at the intersection of innovation and creativity in Bangkok, challenging conventions and redefining audience engagement through their spectacular and transformative works.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is DuckUnit known for?
DuckUnit is known for pushing the boundaries of design through their unique use of light and mechanics to craft extraordinary events. They have a reputation for exceptional stage designs and have evolved into engaging in contemporary art installations.
Where did DuckUnit collaborate with Apichatpong Weerasethakul?
DuckUnit collaborated with Apichatpong Weerasethakul at the international performing arts festival in Brussels called Kunstenfestivaldesarts. They transformed an old chapel into an immersive performance space using video projections, sound, and light.
How does DuckUnit approach audience engagement in art installations?
DuckUnit’s installations, like ‘Embargo of Silence’ and ‘Two Who Remember the Sea,’ invite audiences to interact and become an intrinsic part of the art. These installations explore diverse interpretations and encourage participants to uncover unseen beauty.
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