Netflix The Witcher Pop-up Exhibition Zone

Netflix The Witcher Pop-up Exhibition
Main kinetic structure

Live Plaza, B1, Starfield COEX Mall, Seoul
2019.12.16 – 2020.01.05

Golden rings carrying swords and heraldic medallions rotate beneath the giant Kikimora. Each turn changes the crossing angles of the swords and positions of the medallions, bringing movement to the sculpture.

Client
Netflix
Year
2019 – 2020
KNOVCOMPILE's role
Main kinetic structure design and installation
A golden ring structure with swords and medallions on a round gold platform, beneath a giant spider-like creature. Two LED walls stand behind it.

In the heart of COEX Mall,
a Witcher Zone guarded by a monster

The Witcher Zone opened on COEX Mall's first basement floor for the release of Netflix's first season. The main kinetic structure sat between the creature and dead trees seen from the passage and two rear LED walls. Visitors could view overlapping rotations from the front and side as they moved around the exhibition.

Exhibition zone between passages, with the kinetic structure at its centerIllustration · KNOVCOMPILE
The Witcher Zone viewed from the passageOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
The Witcher Zone beyond the large sword beside a columnOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Golden kinetic structure in front of the creaturePhoto courtesy of Netflix / Digital Chosun Ilbo
The Witcher Zone from floor graphics to stagePhoto courtesy of Netflix / MoneyS

Rotating rings rearrange the swords and emblems

Golden rings stand in parallel layers, each carrying swords and heraldic medallions. As each ring rotates within its plane, sword angles and medallion positions change. The comb-like frame below supports the rings and conceals the drive mechanism.

Rotation viewed from the frontOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
  1. Two people pause in the passage and look up at the golden rings beneath the creature
    Structure beneath the creature's legs

    Passing visitors encounter golden rings rotating beneath the creature's legs.

  2. Layered golden rings, swords and medallions in a comb-like frame, with rotation indicators beside the rings
    Rings turning within their own planes

    Each ring carries swords and medallions as it turns, continuously changing their arrangement.

  3. A toothed ring gear behind a ring, with a motor and small gear inside the lower frame
    Rotation transmitted within the frame

    The lower motor drives the ring gear, moving the swords and medallions.

Overlapping rings and medallionsOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Swords crossing inside a ringOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Rings, swords and medallionsOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Layered rings viewed from the sideOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Rings and medallions, close-upOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive

Hidden from view,
gears turn the rings

A geared motor inside the lower frame turns a small gear, transmitting rotation to the interlocking ring gear. Golden rings, swords and medallions follow that movement. We designed the ring gears as CNC fabrication data and tested their rotation in the workshop.

From a small gear to a large ring

  1. The motor creates rotation01The motor creates rotation

    A geared motor and a small drive gear.

  2. Rotation passes to the ring gear02Rotation passes to the ring gear

    The drive gear meshes with the teeth around the large ring.

  3. Swords and medallions move together03Swords and medallions move together

    The arrangement changes while the drive mechanism stays hidden.

Golden ring · Ring gear · MotorDesign and production records · KNOVCOMPILE archive
The motor driving the ring gearDesign and production records · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Comb-like frame and ring design modelDesign and production records · KNOVCOMPILE archive
Rotation test of a ring gear mounted on plywoodOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive

On-site documentation video

Netflix The Witcher Zone · Main kinetic structureOn-site documentation · KNOVCOMPILE archive

Credits

Client
Netflix
Event
Netflix The Witcher pop-up exhibition, “Witcher Zone”
Live Plaza, B1, Starfield COEX Mall · December 16, 2019–January 5, 2020
Exhibition spatial design and installation
elevation
Main kinetic structure design and installation
KNOVCOMPILE
Official photography
NETFLIX