In the competitive world of modern retail, it’s no longer enough to simply open your doors — you have to create moments that make headlines, go viral, and live on in the memories of your visitors.
That’s exactly what happened at the EMSphere Shopping Centre on Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, in 2023. During its grand opening, the shopping centre launched not only a new destination for luxury retail but a multi-sensory, immersive experience powered by geodesic projection domes.
The installation — featuring three domes of different sizes — marked a bold statement in combining art, technology, and experiential marketing at one of Thailand’s most prestigious commercial addresses.
EMSphere Bangkok: Where Retail Meets Immersion
A Prime Location for a Bold Concept
The EMSphere is part of the EM District, a high-end shopping and lifestyle destination located in the heart of Bangkok. With a footfall projected in the millions, the opening had to stand out.
That’s where Dome Park’s projection domes came in — not just as eye-catching structures, but as interactive portals into art, culture, and digital storytelling.
The Installation: Three Domes, Three Purposes
10M Dome – Large-Scale 360° Super Reality Dome
12M Dome – Ultra-Large 360° Immersive Dome
21M Dome – Premium 360° Super Reality Dome
1. The 14-Metre Dome – Art as a Cinematic Journey
Positioned prominently in the EM Yard on the ground floor, the 14-meter dome became a towering centrepiece. It was used to screen ‘Lightening of the Soul’, a breathtaking immersive art experience featuring the work of Thawan Duchanee, Thailand’s legendary contemporary artist.
The dome allowed visitors to explore Thai mythology, symbolism, and spirituality — all presented in a fully 360-degree fulldome format, enhanced by motion, sound, and light.
“Guests were awestruck by the feeling of being inside the artwork — not just looking at it,” said an on-site manager.
This was not just a dome — it was a cultural activation at architectural scale.
2. The 7-Metre Dome – Supporting Performances & Visuals
Standing beside the larger structure, the 7-meter dome supported complementary 360ART visual programming — serving as a satellite stage for immersive video art, interactive stories, and digital installations throughout the 11-day event.
This smaller dome ensured flow and movement across the activation space, attracting footfall while creating layered audience experiences.
3. The 5-Metre Open Dome – The Viral Selfie Spot
On opening day, the 5-meter open dome became an instant hit with the public. Designed as a selfie dome, it used evolving digital visuals as a backdrop for photos, stories, and videos.
Guests queued for the chance to step inside and become part of the moving art — snapping pics that soon flooded Instagram, TikTok, and Thai lifestyle blogs.
“It was the most photographed spot of the opening — and everyone left talking about it,” shared a retail marketing executive.
A Third Collaboration with Thawan Duchanee
This was not a one-off art activation.
The EMSphere project marked the third collaboration between Dome Park (via 360Art) and Thawan Duchanee’s legacy works, which continue to resonate with both Thai and international audiences.
By bringing his visions to life in immersive domes, the experience becomes accessible to new generations, preserving heritage through cutting-edge media.
Why Dome Installations Work for Retail Openings
Dome structures are more than novelty. They’re transformational tools for:
- Experiential marketing
- Brand activation
- Foot traffic generation
- Social media virality
- Cultural storytelling
In an age of visual-first consumerism, dome installations combine architecture and content, creating branded environments that are modular, scalable, and highly photogenic.
Technical Overview of the EMSphere Domes
| Dome Size | Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 14m | Enclosed, outdoor | Art exhibition & immersive film |
| 7m | Enclosed, outdoor | Visual support dome |
| 5m | Open, indoor | Digital photo/selfie zone |
All domes were powered by custom projection systems, sound design, and 360ART visual content, optimized for high-traffic environments.
A Modular Future: Dome Parks in Retail & Urban Environments
The success at EMSphere demonstrates a growing global trend:
Immersive domes as permanent or semi-permanent features in urban retail, tourism, and cultural development.
With modular formats (Small, Medium, Large), dome parks can be adapted for:
- Mall rooftops
- Festival grounds
- Urban plazas
- Resorts & tourist zones
- Smart city innovation hubs
Each dome format supports ticketed entry, brand sponsorships, F&B zones, and interactive media.
Final Thoughts: When Culture Meets Commerce
EMSphere’s grand opening proved one thing:
Domes don’t just attract crowds — they activate them.
In a market like Thailand, where tradition and modernity coexist, dome experiences provide the perfect bridge — merging local culture with global innovation.
The result?
An unforgettable opening, increased foot traffic, endless content creation, and a powerful brand moment that lived far beyond the event.
Want to Create Something Similar?
Dome Park offers full-service dome production, branding, content, and setup — tailored for:
- Shopping malls
- Developers
- Resorts
- Entertainment groups
- Cultural organizations
Let’s bring your vision to life.
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