Worldbuilding Booklet

DREAM MENAGERIE

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©2023

DREAM MENAGERIE

ART

AND ILLUSTRATIONS

BY JOY CHEN + FANG SHU

DREAM MENAGERIE

Our project works with ‘Narrative Lego’ in producing an interactive narrative film experience for the audience that does not fixate on one singular storyline but one that lets the audiences’ decisions affect the plot, bringing a unique experience for each person as they explore different parts of the monster.

STATEMENT

This worlding project explores the ability for architecture to tell a narrative through the monstering and exaggeration of the architectural space by forming a monster that harbors the lost qualities of human culture. Our definition of the word, ‘monstering’ does not deal in the sense of simply forming the grotesque but the process of bringing unfamiliarity to the familiar. The origin of the word ‘Monster’ relates to the word ‘Demonstrate’ and its Latin form ‘Demonstrare’. To monster is to demonstrate and to reveal the wonder of a space. By extracting what is familiar to us and reconfiguring the architectural form using its essence, we tell a story that provokes memories and emotions.

The next frontier for architectural design lies with stories.

Moving into the new digital era, the coming of the postAnthropocene was inevitable and makes us contemplate the role of the architect relating to our design culture. We as architects in this new era need to become story tellers as well as world builders that through our narratives design inspire and influence the human consciousness.

As architects, to tell a story is to shape space. If the narrative is the vessel for us to navigate through fiction, then the architecture within these narratives is the fabric of these worlds themselves.

Our monster represents our hopes for the retrieval of the lost qualities of our culture. Mythologies of monsters have long been a part of human history. Humans manifest and give life to these mystical creatures to better understand the incomprehensible of our society.

Within our project narrative, we aim to address the effects of today’s social media and digital information explosion through the story telling of our protagonist Sophie who finds meaning in her life through a magical adventure within the body of Kun, the Deity of Recollection. The high pace of this era makes individuals feel insignificant and isolated as we hardly know the people living next door to us. To adapt to this new age, we made sacrifices that detach ourselves from our traditions, emotions, nature, creativity, and our friends, making ourselves numb to the environment around us and lost in the purpose of life. By manifesting a unique form of architecture - a monster that harbors these discarded qualities by society, we hope that by exploring our monster with Sophie, people can find meaning in life, pursue their dreams with freedom and creativity, reimagining the possibilities of urban life or simply living life in a more positive manner.

Our project works with 'Narrative Lego' in producing an interactive narrative film experience for the audience that does not fixate on one singular storyline but one that lets the audiences' decisions affect the plot, bringing a unique experience for each person as they explore different parts of the monster. In addition to an interactive film, we have also produced a physical model to showcase the full potential of this unique architectural form. We have designed and developed a model that allows people to explore different spaces within the monster's body. With this transmedia approach, each space will have its own unique story to tell, conveyed through shape, sound effects, and lighting.

Game screen flow chart, it is a visual representation of the overall flow of a video game. It outlines the different paths and options available to the player as they progress through the game.

Player entry: this is where the player begins their journey in the game. It's the starting point, often referred to as the "entry point" or "initial screen." At this stage, the player is introduced to the game's environment and given some context for the story.

Observing the environment: after entering the game, players have the opportunity to look around and observe the game world. This could involve exploring the surroundings, interacting with objects. This stage allows players to gather information and make decisions based on what they discover.

Making choices: in the games, players have the agency to make choices that impact the direction of the story. These choices can be as simple as deciding which path to take, what dialogue options to choose in conversations, or how to approach challenges. Player choices are a fundamental aspect of interactive storytelling.

Different paths: depending on the choices made by the player, they will follow different paths within the game. These paths lead to various locations, events, and experiences. Each path can offer a unique set of challenges, puzzles, and encounters, making the game more replayable and diverse.

Experiencing different stories: the game's narrative unfolds differently based on the player's choices and the paths they take. This means that players can experience multiple storylines within the same game, adding depth and variety to their gameplay experience.

Different endings: ultimately, the choices made by the player throughout the game will lead to different endings. These endings could vary in terms of the outcome for the main characters, the state of the game world, or the resolution of the central conflict. Multiple endings encourage players to replay the game to explore different story arcs and outcomes.

Game World Map Overview - The game world is a diverse and immersive landscape, filled with various locations and destinations that the protagonist can explore. These locations are integral to the player's journey and determine the direction of the story.

Experimental Section Model Model used for 'First Look': Section of the Monster 'Kun'

In the relentless current of this era, where the pace of life surges like an unstoppable tide, individuals find themselves adrift in a sea of insignificance and isolation. The once-familiar faces of neighbors remain distant, lost amidst the clamor of hurried existence. The tapestry of human connection frays as the threads of community loosen, leaving us estranged from those who dwell next door. In this rapid age, adaptation demands a heavy toll — a toll paid in sacrifices that sever the bonds with our traditions, emotions, and the very essence of our natural surroundings.

As the modern age unfolds its demanding script, we willingly offer up pieces of ourselves, detaching from the harmonious melodies of tradition and the vivid hues of raw emotion. Nature, once a steadfast companion, now fades into the background as concrete jungles rise. The canvas of creativity gathers dust, overshadowed by the ceaseless grind of monotonous routine. Friends, like constellations scattered across the night sky, become distant and obscured as the demands of this epoch carve chasms between hearts. With each sacrifice, we tread the path toward numbing ourselves to the vibrant world that surrounds us, inadvertently disconnecting from the very essence of existence.

The high pace of this era has propelled us into a realm where our identities are gradually eroded, our connections wane, and our lives risk becoming an undifferentiated blur of routine. As the air-conditioning units rotate ceaselessly, so do we find ourselves entangled in a vortex of detachment from our innate humanity, from our surroundings, and from the intricate symphony of existence itself.

In the midst of this relentless portrayal, a powerful metaphor takes shape — the ever-spinning air-conditioning unit. It becomes a symbol of the ceaseless cycle of mundane labor, a mechanical dance devoid of thought or emotion. The camera's gaze transitions from a solitary unit to an expanse of countless air-conditioners adorning a single towering structure, mirroring the universal reality that nearly everyone within this modern tapestry is ensnared in the web of such mundane tasks. This panoramic perspective encapsulates the essence of the scene, drawing the viewer's attention to the collective detachment from the profound elements that once defined humanity's purpose.

Torii, A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred and a spot where kami are welcomed and thought to travel through.Torii gates were traditionally made from wood or stone, but today they can be also made of reinforced concrete, copper, stainless steel or other materials. They are usually either unpainted or painted vermilion with a black upper lintel.

Muyu

A hollow feeling surged through Sophie’s stomach as she slowly pulled loose the string on the package. It has been two weeks since she got the call from her mother that Gran Gran has passed away. This package was the parting gift that Gran Gran left for Sophie, her beloved granddaughter. Sophie had been working on the courage to open the package for a week now. ‘Why is this so hard?’ Sophie thought. But she knew the answer. Deep down Sophie feels that if she opened the package, the last remaining presence of Gran Gran would escape from her. Yet parts of her also knew she needed to see what’s inside. ‘There must be something important Gran Gran wanted to leave me.’ Frowning subconsciously with this newfound determination, Sophie brushed off the fur on the cover and opened it. Inside was a letter and a small fish-like talisman.

‘My Dear Sophie, Please do not mourn for my passing. I will always love you in this life and the next. Time always finds its way of escaping from us. I have told your mother Trisha to send you this letter along with this Muyu to you. Do you still recognize your favorite childhood toy at the temple? You used to terrorize the entire temple with it. Spinning it along the corridors, creating all kinds of chaos. I just wanted you to know that all this time I have been keeping it by my side as a reminder of all our happy memories together. You must forgive my keen delight in nostalgia as I am old. Please keep it by your side. I know Kun will look after you as it did for me, my sweet Sophie. P.S. Please give Snowball a kiss for me.

Sophie wiping away her tears, smiling, picked up the Muyu. The wooden talisman has scratches all over its body. ‘This Muyu is no doubt the one that I used to borrow to play around with.’ Sophie can almost still hear the whistling sound that it made as she ran around the temple grounds. Sophie broke out a laughter just as she remembered how the priest end up giving her the Muyu toy after she borrowed it too many times and was too worn out to be used for the temple ritual. Sophie’s family has the tradition of hosting temple rituals each season to honor the fish deity Kun. It is said that Kun has special healing properties that can not only cure physical illnesses but can also heal the wounds of one’s soul. Sophie heard from Gran Gran as a child that in the old days The Temple of Kun was a place for healing for the sick and a resting place for the wary travelers. While the priests used herbs in the surrounding mountains to heal the patient’s body, the mind and soul needs the Muyu’s help to be cured. The Water Dance that the temple performs is a dance that uses the Muyu to connect oneself with the deity spiritually. As the temple priests spin the Muyus, it creates a harmonious domain within the temple grounds, giving all that hears it euphonious sound the blessing of Kun. Many who have witnessed the ritual are said to have dreams within magical lands that resolve their troubles and put their minds at ease. Remembering all this, Sophie wrapped the talisman’s string around her finger and started spinning it as a reminiscent sound filled her room.

As Sophie steps into the Cultural Citadel, an overwhelming sense of awe and reverence washes over her. The transition from the mundane and repressive world outside to this sacred chamber is nothing short of extraordinary. She finds herself in a space that defies her previous understanding of architecture, as though she has entered a realm where the physical and spiritual converge.

The Cultural Citadel’s entrance is marked by towering pillars reminiscent of those found in ancient cathedrals, but with a unique twist. They reach towards the heavens.

The glyphs on the walls of the Cultural Citadel reveal to Sophie the past of Kun, the Deity of Recollection that harbors all that is lost. What other secrets lie in the journey ahead? Will Sophie find what she is missing?

The murals on the walls of the Citadel narrating the epic tale of Kun in a language of art. Each brushstroke seems to pulsate with life, and the scenes depicted on the walls transcend mere images, engaging Sophie’s senses and emotions. The artwork evokes a deep connection to the Sufi society’s cultural roots, rekindling a sense of identity and heritage.

As Sophie explores this sacred space, she begins to absorb the stories and traditions of her culture that had long been suppressed in the sterile world outside. The Cultural Citadel serves as a beacon of cultural revival and a testament to the power of architecture to rekindle the spirit. Here, Sophie feels a sense of belonging, as if she has returned to a place of profound significance.

In the heart of the Cultural Citadel, surrounded by the majestic pillars and mesmerizing murals, Sophie finds herself on a journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with the traditions, values, and cultural richness of her people. The Citadel is not just an architectural masterpiece; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a place where Sophie can reclaim her identity and reawaken her connection to her Sufi heritage.

Render of Zone 1 - Cultural Citadel

Printed Model: Section of Cultural Citadel

Printed Model: Connection of head and body

As Sophie steps into the Nature Oasis, she feels an immediate and profound transformation in her surroundings. It's as if she has been transported to a pristine Eden within the confines of the monster, Kun. The contrast between the oppressive world she left behind and this lush, harmonious haven is staggering.

The entrance to the Nature Oasis is a threshold between two worlds. As Sophie steps through, she's enveloped by a gentle breeze carrying the invigorating scent of blooming flowers and earthy undertones. The transition is marked by a subtle shift in temperature, as the artificial chill of the outside world gives way to the soothing warmth of natural sunlight.

Before her unfolds a landscape of unparalleled beauty. Lush greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, with a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna that defies imagination. Leaves rustling in harmony with the gentle sigh of the breeze. The architecture of this space seamlessly blends with the natural environment, utilizing organic materials that blend into the surroundings.

Cascading water features meander through the landscape, their soothing murmurs providing a calming backdrop to the symphony of nature. Sophie can explore meandering pathways that lead to hidden nooks, each with its own unique ecosystem. There are tranquil ponds with lily pads, vibrant gardens filled with colorful blossoms.

As Sophie explores this sacred space, she begins to absorb the stories and traditions of her culture that had long been suppressed in the sterile world outside. The Cultural Citadel serves as a beacon of cultural revival and a testament to the power of architecture to rekindle the spirit. Here, Sophie feels a sense of belonging, as if she has returned to a place of profound significance.

In the heart of the Cultural Citadel, surrounded by the majestic pillars and mesmerizing murals, Sophie finds herself on a journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with the traditions, values, and cultural richness of her people. The Citadel is not just an architectural masterpiece; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a place where Sophie can reclaim her identity.

As Sophie enters the Hobbies Haven, a wave of inspiration and creativity washes over her. This remarkable space is a haven for the pursuit of personal passions and creative endeavors that have long been overshadowed by the demands of urban life.

The entrance to the Hobbies Haven is marked by a colorful and inviting archway that depict various hobbies and creative activities in all their vibrant forms. As she steps through this portal, Sophie finds herself in a world of limitless possibilities.

Sophie can explore the various workstations and studios, choosing to immerse herself in a favorite hobby or explore a new passion. Here, she can paint with abandon, compose melodies that stir the soul, write stories that captivate the imagination, and craft intricate designs with her hands.

In the Hobbies Haven, Sophie rediscovers the joy of creative expression and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's passions. This sanctuary serves as a reminder that within each of us lies a wellspring of creativity waiting to be unleashed, and it empowers Sophie to reclaim her identity as a creative being.

As Sophie steps into the Emotions Chamber, she immediately senses a profound shift in the atmosphere around her. The transition from the cold, repressive world outside to this emotionally charged space is nothing short of breathtaking.

As she crosses the threshold, she is greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors that dance and intertwine, each hue representing a unique emotional state.

The architecture of the Emotions Chamber is a masterpiece of emotional embodiment. The walls curve and undulate, mirroring the ebb and flow of human feelings. Throughout the chamber, interactive installations invite Sophie to engage with her emotions on a profound level. The play of light is a central element in the chamber's design. Spotlights strategically placed throughout the space cast beams that shift in intensity and color based on the emotional resonance of the visitors. These dynamic lights create a captivating interplay of shadows and illumination, mirroring the ever-changing emotional landscape of those present.

The Emotions Chamber is not just a physical space; it's a sanctuary for the soul. It allows Sophie to reconnect with her innermost feelings, fostering a profound sense of emotional liberation and healing. Amidst the ever-shifting colors, sounds, and textures, Sophie rediscovers the beauty and complexity of her emotions, and in doing so, she undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional renewal.

Physical Model-Cultural Citadel

Within the monster's belly, the cutaway model reveals the interior of the Cultural Citadel. It pays homage to the traditional gothic church with its columns and strange geometric shapes, offering a passage for Sophie to explore other distinct areas within the monster's belly.

Physical Model-Hobbies Haven

The model of the Nature Oasis is ingeniously designed as a circular configuration around a central cylinder. Each circular section represents a hollow space, akin to compartments within the belly of the monster. Within these spaces lie objects and fragments of things that Sophie once cherished but, for various reasons, had let go of or abandoned.

Physical Model-Emotions Chamber

The architecture of the Emotions Chamber is a masterpiece of emotional embodiment. The walls curve and undulate, mirroring the ebb and flow of human feelings. Throughout the chamber, interactive installations invite Sophie to engage with her emotions on a profound level. The play of light is a central element in the chamber's design. Spotlights strategically placed throughout the space cast beams that shift in intensity and color based on the emotional resonance of the visitors.

Physical Model-Nature Oasis

The walls and floors mimic organic forms, sculpted to resemble the shapes found in nature. Subtle hues and gradients adorn the model, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant diversity found within the Nature Oasis. It's a miniature representation that captures the essence of the organic world, inviting observers to marvel at the intricate beauty and lifelike semblance of this fantastical environment.

Cultural Citadel As Sophie steps into the Cultural Citadel, an overwhelming sense of awe and reverence washes over her. The transition from the mundane and repressive world outside to this sacred chamber is nothing short of extraordinary. She finds herself in a space that defies her previous understanding of architecture, as though she has entered a realm where the physical and spiritual converge. The Cultural Citadel’s entrance is marked by towering pillars reminiscent of those found in ancient cathedrals, but with a unique twist. They reach towards the heavens.In the heart of the Cultural Citadel, surrounded by the majestic pillars and mesmerizing murals, Sophie finds herself on a journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with the traditions, values, and cultural richness of her people. The Citadel is not just an architectural masterpiece; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a place where Sophie can reclaim her identity and reawaken her connection to her Sufi heritage.

Emotions Chamber As Sophie steps into the Emotions Chamber, she immediately senses a profound shift in the atmosphere around her. The transition from the cold, repressive world outside to this emotionally charged space is nothing short of breathtaking. As she crosses the threshold, she is greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors that dance and intertwine, each hue representing a unique emotional state. These dynamic lights create a captivating interplay of shadows and illumination, mirroring the ever-changing emotional landscape of those present. The Emotions Chamber is not just a physical space; it's a sanctuary for the soul. It allows Sophie to reconnect with her innermost feelings, fostering a profound sense of emotional liberation and healing. Amidst the ever-shifting colors, sounds, and textures, Sophie rediscovers the beauty and complexity of her emotions, and in doing so, she undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional renewal

Section Render-Cultural Citadel

Within the monster's belly, the cutaway model reveals the interior of the Cultural Citadel. It pays homage to the traditional gothic church with its columns and strange geometric shapes, offering a passage for Sophie to explore other distinct areas within the monster's belly.

Section Render-Emotions Chamber

The architecture of the Emotions Chamber is a masterpiece of emotional embodiment. The walls curve and undulate, mirroring the ebb and flow of human feelings. Throughout the chamber, interactive installations invite Sophie to engage with her emotions on a profound level. The play of light is a central element in the chamber's design. Spotlights strategically placed throughout the space cast beams that shift in intensity and color based on the emotional resonance of the visitors.

Game Scene Screenshot

Game Scene Screenshot

Nature Oasis

Game Scene Screenshot

In the heart of the monster's belly lies the Nature Oasis, a realm fashioned entirely from organic forms. Here, the walls and floors take on an array of shapes, each resembling the undulating contours of layered valleys and the vibrant growth of flourishing plants. The space feels alive, as if it's a living, breathing tribute to nature's diversity. Every nook within this sanctuary showcases its own unique organic form, creating a tapestry that mirrors the richness and complexity of natural landscapes. It's a captivating environment where the very essence of life seems to pulse through the walls, inviting exploration amidst this mesmerizing fusion of forms that celebrate the beauty and vitality of the natural world.

Hobbies Haven As Sophie enters the Hobbies Haven, a wave of inspiration and creativity washes over her. This remarkable space is a haven for the pursuit of personal passions and creative endeavors that have long been overshadowed by the demands of urban life. The entrance to the Hobbies Haven is marked by a colorful and inviting archway that depict various hobbies and creative activities in all their vibrant forms. As she steps through this portal, Sophie finds herself in a world of limitless possibilities. The circular layout mirrors the cyclical nature of memories and emotions, with each hollow representing a distinct phase or aspect of Sophie's past. Within these compartments, items that held significance or sentimental value are carefully arranged, almost as if frozen in time, invoking nostalgia and introspection as Sophie traverses through the concentric circles of her past.

Section Render-Nature Oasis

The walls and floors mimic organic forms, sculpted to resemble the shapes found in nature. Subtle hues and gradients adorn the model, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant diversity found within the Nature Oasis. It's a miniature representation that captures the essence of the organic world, inviting observers to marvel at the intricate beauty and lifelike semblance of this fantastical environment.

Section Render-Hobbies Haven

The model of the Nature Oasis is ingeniously designed as a circular configuration around a central cylinder. Each circular section represents a hollow space, akin to compartments within the belly of the monster. Within these spaces lie objects and fragments of things that Sophie once cherished but, for various reasons, had let go of or abandoned.