Chinese students take part in Disney design competition

The first Disney Imaginations Shanghai Design Competition, a local version of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition in the US, came to a close on Nov 20, with the team from East China University of Science and Technology beating five other finalists to win.

Launched in June, the competition in Shanghai was part of Disney’s efforts to scout for local talents in theme park designs and innovations on immersive recreational experiences. The competition was open to college students in five universities in Shanghai.

“The competition is all about the imagination and how talents grow ideas, and if you can dream it, you will be able to do it,” said Howard Brown, general manager and regional executive of Walt Disney Imaginations Asia.

Each team had to submit their design concepts for creating opportunities for guests to explore the natural and ancient wonders of the world. The submissions were judged based on factors such as conceptual design, technological innovation, creativity, teamwork and storytelling.

Titled Pa-Ro-Dye, the winning project was themed around the Paricutin volcano in Mexico. The team from East China University of Science and Technology had proposed a volcano-shaped structure that would replicate the experience of a volcanic eruption and allow guests to taste the country’s cuisine in a Mexican-themed dining room located within. This replica volcano would also have an open-air music hall where visitors can listen to Mexican music.

“This project is a great chance to view this magical resort from the perspective of engineers and to learn the interesting details in the resort which were designed by its engineers,” said Tao Maiqiu, team leader of Pa-Ro-Dye.

“We needed to see the resort as a dreamland for people of all ages, either children or the elderly. This was a critical rule that we had to work with during the competition.”