The Border
Image Courtesy of Alex Kwan
A key element that differentiates an architectural space in a virtual reality environment from one in the physical world is its immateriality. This project is an immersive virtual architectural experience that depicts the psychological journey of immigrants to Hong Kong who crossed the Shenzhen border between the 1950s to 1970s. Instead of rendering the environment of the Shenzhen border realistically, the immigrants’ fear, anxiety, and hope for a better future are interpreted in a fantastical virtual landscape.
A key element that differentiates an architectural space in a virtual reality environment from one in the physical world is its immateriality. This project is an immersive virtual architectural experience that depicts the psychological journey of immigrants to Hong Kong who crossed the Shenzhen border between the 1950s to 1970s. Instead of rendering the environment of the Shenzhen border realistically, the immigrants’ fear, anxiety, and hope for a better future are interpreted in a fantastical virtual landscape.
Milestone
2017.Q3
Project awarded Design Trust Seed Grant
2018.09
A VR experience is launched online
2018.12
Exhibited at the 4th Shenzhen Independent Animation Biennale
- 2017
- Grantee: Alan Kwan
- Organisation: Alan Kwan
Born in 1990 in Hong Kong, Alan Kwan is a digital media artist and designer whose works explore experimental forms of videogame and immersive virtual reality experiences. His previous projects were presented at international venues including the Ars Electronica Center in Austria, the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Germany, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Shanghai. He holds a Master of Science degree in Art, Culture, and Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and currently lives and works in Boston and Hong Kong.