A Digital Exhibition on the Chinese Classic Shan Hai Jing
This is another small experiment for my "Exhibition Design" course. Due to limited design time, I decided to choose the theme of The Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), a theme I had previously worked with, to design a digital exhibition within a small spatial area.
The exhibition space is inspired by the geographical divisions in The Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing). The layout follows the "Hainei," "Haowai," and "Dahuang" regions, with central and outer curtain layers symbolizing mountains and a mirrored floor representing the seas. The design emphasizes geographical depth and layering, guiding visitors through a circular flow that reflects the ancient understanding of the world’s order.
The exhibition space embraces the concept of "dissolution of boundaries," blending virtual and real elements to blur the line between physical space and perception. Drawing from The Classic of Mountains and Seas, mountains, oceans, and mythical creatures are integrated through digital projections and light curtains, creating a dynamic, seamless fantasy world.
The exhibition features a circular flow, starting at the entrance into a mythological space. Curved pathways, varying heights, and perspective designs guide visitors deeper, enhancing immersion. Transitions between zones are seamless, with digital content and physical space closely integrated for a continuous experience.
The exhibition blends tradition and modernity in its materials. The mirrored and metal floors create a modern effect while reflecting light for an infinite spatial feel. Four layers of semi-transparent, opaque fabric curtains evoke vastness, while hanging exhibition texts are made of opaque acrylic. The central immersive theater features a reflective metal floor with wave-like textures, simulating water.
Above the four layers of curtains forming the Shanhaijing world, projections display mythical creatures and legends from each geographical direction. These creatures and stories appear as viewers pass by, and retreat into the mountains and forests when no one is around. Additionally, they respond to the viewer's movements, interacting with them based on their position in the space.