The devastating effects of deforestation on biodiversity are gaining attention worldwide. Particularly, the Otway Forest’s extensive logging has led to a dramatic decline in native species, highlighting an urgent need for innovative conservation strategies. Using the lens of traditional interior design practices combined with emergent technologies and digital narrative techniques offers an avenue to foster greater environmental consciousness and feelings of interconnectedness.
This research project explores the development of a “Digital narrative fusion environments” practice, encompassing VR, XR, Immersive theatre, sound and costume design, filmmaking, and environmental awareness, to shed light on the consequences of deforestation in the Otway Forest, specifically focusing on the plight of grey headed flying foxes.
Otway Forest
Event Program at Yarra Bend Park
Based on the principles of mise-en-scene, speculative futures, and assemblage thinking, this project proposal includes a film with VR and XR elements as part the film projections / encounter:
- The proposed film “Otherworldly Expedition: The Sentient City” presents a futuristic film projection within an immersive theatre featuring a female robot exploring a future world, an alternate reality where bats thrive by being fed on bioengineered food sources.
- The VR element of the digital environment allows the audience to embody the characters within the featured games exported from the Unreal Engine, to explore and venture within different parts of the world in the narrative.
- The designed XR encounter is the immersive exhibition where the film is projected. Lighting and atmosphere of the exhibition are designed based on the film narrative.
Through this project, a comprehensive design practice was developed that integrates various disciplines and technologies. By merging the fields of interior design with digital narrative practices, this research offers a novel approach to environmental advocacy. It highlights the potential of immersive experiences in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our ecological intricacies and human non-human interrelationships. And emphasises the need for understanding and addressing environmental issues through design practice from a non-anthropocentric perspective, embracing complexity, uncertainty, and non-binary thinking.
Exhibitions
2024 - Interdependence, group exhibition, Politecnico di Milano, Milan Design Week 2024
2023 - Bates Smart Award short-listed, group exhibition, Bates Smart Gallery
2023 - INDEX Exhibition, group exhibition, Design Hub Gallery, RMIT University
Award
2023 - Frederick Stern Memorial Award, RMIT Interior Design