interactive table soccer installation by LAAB encourages physical play and social engagement

LAAB’s Interactive Harbour Cup Fuses Sports, Science, and Art

LAAB Architects presents Harbour Cup, an interactive artwork featured in the Science in Art exhibition along Hong Kong‘s Central Harbourfront promenade. Harbour Cup combines elements of sports, science, and art into a single engaging installation.

The design of Harbour Cup is inspired by the traditional table soccer game but with notable differences—there are no goals and no predefined teams. Players must negotiate and decide whether to compete or collaborate, transforming a familiar game into a platform for reflection and communication.

all images by Otto Ng unless stated otherwise

Illuminating Harbour Cup Engages Hong Kong’s Harbourfront

The artwork features an array of solar-powered LED lights that illuminate the ball’s trajectory when kicked, thanks to capacitive sensors housed in watertight 3D-printed consoles. The shiny metallic structure of Harbour Cup reflects the chromatic lighting of Hong Kong’s high-rise buildings and harbour, creating a visually dynamic experience.

Harbour Cup includes three pieces of varying heights and dimensions, accommodating people of different sizes and ages. Through this installation, Hong Kong-based LAAB Architects aims to encourage social interaction and physical play, inviting participants to engage with each other and their environment.

inspired by traditional table soccer, Harbour Cup redefines the game with no goals and no teams

Harbour Cup merges sports, science, and art into an engaging installation

three pieces of varying heights accommodate different body sizes and ages

Harbour Cup encourages social interaction and physical play among participants

the shiny metallic structure of Harbour Cup reflects the chromatic lighting of Hong Kong’s high-rises

players of Harbour Cup must negotiate how to play, fostering reflection and communication

capacitive sensors in watertight 3D-printed consoles trigger the LED lights

Harbour Cup’s design creates a visually dynamic experience at night

project info:

name: Harbour Cup

architect: LAAB Architects | @laabpro

design team: Otto Ng, Chun Hang Yip, CK Wong, Brian Cheung, Catherine Cheng, Larissa Ku, Raphael Kwok, Erika Fung

curator: Hong Kong Science Museum

location: Tamar Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong, China

photography: Otto Ng – Leung Yau Cheong

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom