Year: 2023
Duration: 8 Weeks
Type: Architecture & Interior, Interaction Design
Team:
Sole Project
Role:
Research, Rendering, Modeling, Video
Problem Statement
Societal Environment playing key Factors on Drug Addiction Risk Across Different Age Groups in the United States
The United States faces a significant challenge concerning drug misuse and addiction among its population. In 2021, it was reported that 61.2 million individuals aged 12 or older used illicit drugs in the past year. Among adolescents aged 12 to 17, substance use disorder remains a concerning issue. Furthermore, more than 23 million adults in the country have experienced problematic drug use.
The United States is currently grappling with an opioid overdose epidemic, which has serious implications for public health. As researchers investigate the roots of addiction, genetic and environmental factors have emerged as crucial elements influencing an individual's susceptibility to drug dependence.
Notes: The video showcases a drug group treatment meeting, emphasizing how a healthy environment can prevent drug use, while also acknowledging that negative environments can contribute to it."
Drug Use Demographics
Adolescents: Aged 12 -17 4% of American suffer from a substance use disorder
Young Adults: Aged 18 - 25 14.8% of American battled a substance use disorder
Over Age 26 6.4% of this age group suffer from a substance uses
Location
Site Location
The chosen installation location is strategically situated along theiconic Las Vegas Strip, specifically at the intersection adjacent to the Wynn casino. Placed strategically at thestarting point of the bustling strip, this installation aims to serve as a poignant reminder to passersby as they venture towards the casino-laden streets, which are renowned for their association with alcohol and substance use. By locating the installation in this particular area, we hope to effectively capture the attention of the audience, providing them with a timely alert and reinforcing the concept of analcohol and drug-free environment.
I have crafted a public installation that presents curated array of elements. This immersive experience invites visitors to journey through a tunnel, where they will encounter a vivid portrayal of the impact of drugs on the human body. As individuals traverse this artistic space, they will be enveloped by a narrative that conveys the effects of substance use.
Existing Experience Installation Research
I conducted extensive research on various experiential art installations to draw inspiration diverse elements to simulate user experiences.
Installation Features
Four Key elements within the installation, each serving a specific purpose: Dynamic sound effects, LED color lighting strips, Custom screen videos, and Motion-senor OLED monitors that will dynamically change as user move across different spaces to provide a truly immersive and stimulating experience.
Storyboard
Visualize how a user discovers the public installation and how each feature impacts them will be invaluable in aiding my development process
Installation Architecture Sketches development
The final structure and interior design of the installation, thoughtfully divided into four distinct areas, each offering a unique and impactful experience. Drawing inspiration from these features, I have developed several architectural and interior designs that seamlessly incorporate these elements.
Installation Structure & Interior
The rationale behind this particular shape stems from the intention of creating a condensed physical space that could evoke a sense of psychological compression akin to the sensations experienced during drug use. Moreover, the incorporation of an uneven surface introduces an element of unpredictability, adding to the multifaceted experience users undergo during their interaction with this design.
Interior Lighting
The interior lighting will gracefully transition through a spectrum of colors, ranging from serene blues and calming purples to warm oranges and intense reds, symbolizing emotions such as tranquility, contemplation, anxiety, and urgency
Rendering
Behold the rendering of the Drug Use Experience Tunnel, featuring changeable LED lighting, a wall-mounted monitor, and a cash-burning floor symbolizing the financial consequences of drug use. A powerful and thought-provoking design!
Visual & Sounds
The custom video edit, showcasing the progression from drug-free beginnings to initial substance exposure for young individuals. This leads to a gripping depiction of addiction and its emotional toll. Experience the storytelling prowess in this impactful creation, conveying a profound message about drug use's effect on youth.
Prepare Prototype
Explore a captivating fusion within the tunnel: a motion sensor, LED array, and meticulously coded OLD eye monitor. Together, they offer an innovative, wondrous simulation, inviting users on an unforgettable journey that echoes the effects of drug use on young lives.
Arduino Motion Senior Detector Code
Final Walk-through | Immersive Experience
Arduino Motion Senior Detector Code - OLED eyes
Reflection
Through this experience, I've gained valuable insights into the art of integrating motion sensors with visual, auditory, and lighting elements. This fusion has enabled me to craft immersive environments that not only engage the senses but also evoke genuine emotions within users. The journey of translating user experiences into tangible physical dimensions has been an immensely enjoyable learning process.
Delving deeper, I've come to understand the profound impact that physical elements wield over human emotions. This awareness not only enriches my current creative endeavors but also equips me with a powerful tool for shaping future designs. Ultimately, this exploration has not only expanded my skill set but has also heightened my appreciation for the intricate interplay between design, emotion, and the human experience.