August 14, 2015 (Pasadena, CA) Wyatt Design Group (WDG) has just completed a master planning and art direction for a new theme park and leisure destination in picturesque Ha Long Bay, in Northern Vietnam. Set to open in late 2015 with phases rolling out through 2016, this world-class venue will feature rides and entertainment, a public beach, resort hotels, a marina, a world showcase international village, a giant 115-meter wheel, and a breathtaking 1.5 kilometer free-span gondola ride across Ha Long Bay.
Themed with influences from local Vietnamese historical culture and heritage, this 345-acre oceanfront to mountaintop destination will include a theme park, water park, family entertainment center, event pavilions, Japanese gardens, an aquarium, dolphin show arena, a giant Ferris wheel, a wax museum, a Vietnamese themed fishing village with shopping and dining, a world showcase international village, and a double deck gondola cable car ride, all adjacent to resorts and hotels, and with a stunning view of UNESCO world heritage site Ha Long Bay.
WDG’s role was that of master planner and art director of all elements of the project working under the leadership of leisure consulting company International Theme Park Services (ITPS), the Project Manager who also provided programming, attraction selection, rides technical data, operational planning assistance, and attraction budgeting. The client, JSC Sun Group of Viet Nam, was very thorough in providing the design team tours of several historic and heritage sites and locations in the region to incorporate as much authentic local culture, legends, and myths in the project as possible. Under the direction of ITPS, the WDG design team was responsible for story development, environmental theming, attraction content, area development design, and art direction of all elements from Blue Sky Concept through Schematic Design. WDG enlisted the support and talent of Hetzel Design to provide Architectural Design, 3D modeling, and countless stunning digital illustrations.
“We very much appreciated the opportunity to work with ITPS and Sun Group on this outstanding project at Ha Long Bay. This was our first experience in Viet Nam, and our client could not have been more thoughtful and kind throughout the process. We also had fantastic support from one of our frequent collaborators and long time friends Hetzel Design. Sun Group envisioned a diverse program for this extraordinary site with dramatic views of this stunning World Heritage site. The pace was frantic—–they were literally driving piles as we were delivering our final design package, but Dennis Speigel, Pam Westerman and the team at ITPS provided strong project leadership in programming, operations, and overall project management that kept things on track. It was a fantastic experience and we look forward to new adventures with ITPS and Sun Group in the near future,” remarks Larry Wyatt, Principal of Wyatt Design Group.
Added Dennis Speigel, President of ITPS, “All of us at ITPS very much enjoyed our working relationship with Larry Wyatt and his team, as well as the Hetzel Design team, on this highly unique project. Yes, the pace was frantic, but our talented team once again delivered a world-class project.”
About Wyatt Design Group: Wyatt Design Group, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary entertainment design studio based in Pasadena, California, specializing in theme parks, exhibitions, attractions, and leisure destinations. Its core staff has expertise in master planning, site development, architectural design, interior design, and show set design. More information on Wyatt Design Group can be found at https://www.wyattdesigngroup.com.
About International Theme Park Services (ITPS): ITPS, where “FUN IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS,” is globally the leisure industry’s leading independent, full-service consulting firm. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, ITPS is uniquely qualified to assist in all aspects of entertainment project development, and has worked on over 500 projects and in 50 countries since its inception in 1983. The corporate website is http://www.interthemepark.com, and they can be reached at itps@interthemepark.com.
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Contact: Tracy Balsz, 323.428.9075, marketing@wyattdesigngroup.com