The Bird's Nest Cup Dual-Olympic Seat Exhibition, held at the iconic National Stadium (Bird's Nest) from January 15 to 20, 2025, brought together international and local artists to showcase their creative works. Among the featured projects was Luminara, an interactive art therapy toolkit developed by Andi Zhou, Siyuan Ma, and Bo Bao. The three designers, who hold senior design and research positions at leading multinational corporations, combined their expertise in user experience, digital product design, and behavioral design to create this innovative approach to mental health support for adolescents.
Already acclaimed in the design community, Luminara has earned multiple international honors, including a Gold award at the 2024 Vega Digital Awards and a Silver award at the London Design Awards.
A Unique and Thoughtful Approach to Art Therapy
Luminara adapts cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through artistic elements and interactive storytelling, designed specifically for adolescents. The toolkit combines pop culture references and vibrant visuals to make mental health support accessible and relatable. The exhibition demonstrated how Luminara's evidence-based design approach bridges psychological support and creative expression.
"We wanted to create something that resonates with young people and empowers them to explore their mental health through creativity," explained Andi Zhou. "Seeing Luminara displayed in such an iconic venue alongside other inspiring works is truly an honor."
Why Luminara Stood Out
The National Stadium of China, a symbol of modern architecture and international sportsmanship, provided a contrasting backdrop of the intimate and introspective nature of Luminara. The work captured attention through its emphasis on art as a medium for healing and its thoughtful integration of behavioral design principles. Exhibition visitors were drawn to its vibrant visuals and the compelling narrative embedded in each element of the toolkit.
The toolkit’s creative storytelling approach was particularly praised for subtly guiding users toward self-reflection and emotional growth without overwhelming them. By combining therapeutic principles with artistic prompts, Luminara demonstrates how design can address specific mental health needs while maintaining engagement with young users.
Cultural Impact and Audience Engagement
The Bird's Nest Cup Dual-Olympic Seat Exhibition seamlessly integrated with its iconic setting, thoughtfully positioning exhibits to complement the stadium’s architectural grandeur. According to Siyuan Ma, “Exhibiting at the Bird’s Nest added a symbolic layer to our work. The venue, a testament to human achievement and resilience, resonated deeply with our message about the healing power of design.”
Extensively covered by major Chinese media outlets, including CCTV, Xinhua News, and China Daily, the exhibition underscored its cultural significance as a premier artistic event, celebrating both creativity and social engagement. The event drew significant attention during its run when two celebrated Olympic athletes made surprise appearances. Zhang Zhiqiang, World Champion in short track speed skating, and Lin Meng, former Chinese national team athlete and 2012 World Cup Champion in 3000m relay with six world-level championship titles, visited the exhibition. Their presence brought extra attention to the intersection of sports, art, and wellness that the exhibition aimed to explore.
The exhibition emphasized the integration of social impact and creative innovation, creating dialogues around the role of art and design in the contemporary world. The inclusion of works like Luminara highlighted the potential for design to create meaningful change.
A Growing Legacy
The Bird's Nest Cup Dual-Olympic Seat Exhibition continues its tradition as Beijing's premier winter art event, attracting coverage from art institutions and media organizations. With Luminara, Andi Zhou, Siyuan Ma, and Bo Bao have contributed a meaningful piece to this vibrant artistic landscape, blending design, art, and mental health advocacy.
"Art has the power to heal and connect people across generations and cultures. We hope Luminara continues to inspire and support young minds in their creative journeys toward well-being," said Bo Bao.
About Luminara:
Luminara is an innovative art therapy toolkit designed to assist adolescents in exploring and managing their mental health. Created by Andi Zhou, Siyuan Ma, and Bo Bao, experts in design and behavioral research, the toolkit combines cognitive behavioral therapy principles with artistic expression.
Luminara was recently highlighted at the Echoes of Love exhibition by IAETDAA (International Art Education & Therapy Development Academic Association), a non-profit academic institution dedicated to researching the application of diverse and expressive art therapies. To learn more about the work, please visit: https://iaetdaa.com/blog/f/andi-zhou-siyuan-ma-bo-bao
About IAETDAA:
The International Art Education & Therapy Development Academic Association (IAETDAA) is a non-profit institution dedicated to advancing art education and therapy through research, design innovation, and creative interventions. Collaborating with designers, therapists, and educators, IAETDAA promotes the integration of artistic expression into mental health support. Through exhibitions, workshops, and academic initiatives, the organization fosters global dialogue on the role of art in emotional well-being and has been instrumental in bringing projects like Luminara to the forefront of art therapy.
For media inquiry, please contact:
Siyuan Ma
Phone number: +1 (312) 838-2738
Email address: masiyuan19910308@gmail.com