Team:
_{Just me}
　
My role:
_{Discovery and ideation, interaction design, acrylic fabrication and installation, and VR level deisng and prototyping}

Project year:
_{2019 - 2021}
　
Location:
_{Work begins in Seoul, Korea and finished in Brooklyn, NY, USA}

Platform:
_{Windows, Mac OS}
　
Skills:
_{Fabrication using Acrylic board and projector, Unreal Engine4, Oculus Quest2}

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Abstract

“Sheol” is a dark space beneath the earth described in the Bible, where all people, without discrimination, reside after they die. Sheol is an unidentified and invisible place that is now being interpreted in many ways including as the grave that is the place of judgement before going to heaven or hell, or simply the eternal place to rest. Inspired by this space called Sheol, this project demonstrates through a transparent labyrinth that one can experience various things before one dies and realize the importance of being alive.

In addition, this project captures the moment when the perception of structure changes depending on the light and the viewing angle. Different spaces are stacked on top of each other and create one unified structure, and the images and shadows cast on the outside due to the transparent materiality create another space.

Concept Idea Sketch

I started sketching what kind of effect can be brought when the shape of the letters, the meaning of the words, and the concept of the maze are integrated. Three interesting things I realized in this process are, first, the light that penetrates into the shapes of the letters when they are overlapped, stacked, and combined, and the shape of the shadow formed around them, and second, the sense of space formed between the overlapping and stacking of the letters. And finally, it was the atmosphere that each space had when the meaning of the letters and the meaning of the colors were combined. It was also a question of what kind of experience would be created when each different spaces interact together. 

Physical Model Making

After going through the concept and initial sketch process, I decided to first make it into a physical model before moving into VR world. In this process, I learned some interesting things through the characteristics of a material called transparent acrylic. Through the process of light spreading, transmission, refraction, and mixing, many unintended and unexpected parts were discovered. The size of the mock-up was large enough, so I was able to see it with my own eyes and get the feeling of being inside the mock-up.

Virtual Space Design

After making a real model and researching materials, I started making a real VR space. In digital space, unlike reality, I could easily try out various materials, and you can try freely without being affected by the arrangement of space and gravity, so it was possible to create a more unique composition.

Inspired by the space called ‘Sheol’, it will demonstrate through a labyrinth that one can experience various things before one dies and realize the importance of being alive. It will show things one didn’t know about, things one never experienced, or things one has forgotten about in one’s life. This space can either be a heaven or a hell for anyone by giving them hope for the hopeless or despair for the proud. It will also allow viewers to experience virtual reality because what can be seen can affect the person both emotionally and realistically.

Entering this space called ‘endless dream’ would allow people to feel confused about whether they are in an intermediate stage before their deaths, are in a space after death, or are just in their dream.

Final VR Experience