[TheStoriesOfTop7] Dream - Wang Chao / China - IAPLC 2016

Mr. Wang Chao's "Dreamland" was second in the World Ranking. IAPLC 2016 witnessed many layouts that used slim branch-like drift- wood and among this type of layouts, Mr.Wan's work particularly stood out. However, this work was very novel in its layout design and judges gave significantly varied ratings in some criteria including "Recreation of Natural Habitat for Fish" and "Presentation of Natural Atmosphere in Layout Work". Ms. Karen Randall, who mentioned about excessive artificiality of layout and photographing in her gen- eral comment, made negative feedback on this work. Nevertheless, this work was ranked second in the World Ranking even without the additional points awarded to Best Aquarium because it had outstanding appealing qualities that attracted other judges. Then, where such appealing power is derived from? Perhaps, it is from the creator's enthusiasm and strong focus on his own layout expressions. Even besides this work, there were a number of other layouts filled with appealing power this year. These layouts seem to have had significant influence in the grading given by each judge.

IAPLC 2016 Gallery - Look back history - World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize 

Dream 

Author: Wang Chao / China

Aquarium Size/W150×D55×H45 (cm)

Aquatic Plants

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Vesicularia ferriei

Vesicularia filicinum

Glossostigma elatinoides

Bucephalandra sp.

Fish & Invertebrates

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

AWARDS

World Ranking 0002 Gold Prize IAPLC 2016

Best of show, 1st place AGA 2016 Aquatic Garden > 320L

Comments

This is my 9th contest including this year. How I feel about IAPLC differs every year because my ranking is also different each year, like the Bronze Prize in 2009 while below 300th place in 2015. However, my motivation towards IAPLC has never changed. Every year, I create different styles of layout to achieve my new goal set for each year and I am satisfied with it. I look forward to a good result very much because I usually work on the layout for more than half a year for the contest. To be in the top seven in the world ranking - how many people dream of it? The dream has come true for me this year. When asked what my dream was 7 years ago, I answered that I wanted to be in the top three in the IAPLC world ranking and raise Chinese national flag at the award presentation ceremony. This year, when I received my result and saw "2nd place in World Ranking" on the notice, I felt, "Yes, I won the Gold Prize! The God granted my wish! My efforts bore fruit! Finally, I was recognized by each judge with this layout work." I immediately called my mother and told her that I won the Gold Prize. My mother was very happy about it. My mother's support and love is really important to me. I also told the results to my friends, especially those who are CAA members, and everyone celebrated just as celebrating Chinese New Year. Thank you very much.

Stunning composition! Layout meticulously assembled. I just would take care a little bit with the thickness of the horizontal woods in the first plan.
The sector with white sand could be better worked with more little rocks gravel and plants. At the way that it is the layout can be seen as not so natural for the majority of the people. But is absolutely gorgeous.
— André Longarço

Excellent work on building an impressive aquascape. The driftwood the aquatic mosses and the light are superb and the whole aquascape is very well balanced congratulation!
— Domenico Losciale