In the near future, can reality be best described as a liminal space between the physical and the virtual, existing in two realms simultaneously? If so, what are the repercussions of this new definition of reality on humanity?
It is 2050, sensory stimulation from the virtual world can be customised and up to such a degree that the dopamine released as a result becomes an addiction. This advancement in neuroscience technology has caused a widespread addiction problem. With more and more virtual universes coming into play and fighting for attention from each individual, the urge is irresistible.
Most of humanity is now struggling with sensory overstimulation. Merely experiencing reality without the virtual filter is not exciting enough and is therefore causing withdrawal symptoms, an extreme form of escapism. In some cases, humans are completely out of sync with themselves and their bodies, almost in a state of trance, fully immersed in virtuality, constantly suppressing real-world sensations like hunger, fear, pain. It is the era of humanity collectively being high on dopamine coupled with isolation and social detachment, the advent of the Reality Disassociation(RD) pandemic.
The project explores spatial design as a means of evoking strong emotions, targeting both exteroceptive and interoceptive senses. Playing on feelings of discomfort, ambiguity, mystery, surreality as well as calmness and serenity. A nudge to help people reconnect their minds, bodies to physicality.
