The Light Within
The Light Within
The Light Within
The Light Within
Individual Project based on M.Arch Degree Project in WashU
Individual Project based on M.Arch Degree Project in WashU
Individual Project based on M.Arch Degree Project in WashU
Individual Project based on M.Arch Degree Project in WashU
A lighting installation system which helps newcome refugees alleviate negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community by showing different lighting animation during the whole onboarding process.
A lighting installation system which helps newcome refugees alleviate negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community by showing different lighting animation during the whole onboarding process.
A lighting installation system which helps newcome refugees alleviate negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community by showing different lighting animation during the whole onboarding process.
A lighting installation system which helps newcome refugees alleviate negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community by showing different lighting animation during the whole onboarding process.
Year
Year
Year
Year
2021
2021
2021
2021
Location
Location
Location
Location
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO
Project Type
Project Type
Project Type
Project Type
Experiential Design
Experiential Design
Experiential Design
Experiential Design
Role
Role
Role
Role
Architect
UX Designer
Architect
UX Designer
Architect
UX Designer
Architect
UX Designer
Project Background
Project Background
Project Background
Project Background
Project Background
Refugee Facts in St.Louis
In St. Louis, the biggest problem is the decline of population and employment which makes the development a challenge. In fact, it has been proved that immigrations and refugees can bring possible economic rewards to the city, such as the Bosnians, since St. Louis is most lack of population. How to solve the resettlement from multiple possibilities is the key of this program.
Refugee Facts in St.Louis
In St. Louis, the biggest problem is the decline of population and employment which makes the development a challenge. In fact, it has been proved that immigrations and refugees can bring possible economic rewards to the city, such as the Bosnians, since St. Louis is most lack of population. How to solve the resettlement from multiple possibilities is the key of this program.
Refugee Facts in St.Louis
In St. Louis, the biggest problem is the decline of population and employment which makes the development a challenge. In fact, it has been proved that immigrations and refugees can bring possible economic rewards to the city, such as the Bosnians, since St. Louis is most lack of population. How to solve the resettlement from multiple possibilities is the key of this program.
Refugee Facts in St.Louis
In St. Louis, the biggest problem is the decline of population and employment which makes the development a challenge. In fact, it has been proved that immigrations and refugees can bring possible economic rewards to the city, such as the Bosnians, since St. Louis is most lack of population. How to solve the resettlement from multiple possibilities is the key of this program.
Refugee Facts in St.Louis
In St. Louis, the biggest problem is the decline of population and employment which makes the development a challenge. In fact, it has been proved that immigrations and refugees can bring possible economic rewards to the city, such as the Bosnians, since St. Louis is most lack of population. How to solve the resettlement from multiple possibilities is the key of this program.
Refugee Community Overview
The Refugee Community is located in the Cortex, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by universities, medical centers and abundant cultural and recreational assets. Combining the lightweight construction with modular units, this refugee resettlement complex can easily expand based on the varied situation. Also, the scaffolding system can be an element to support beyond the physical, providing communal space for integration and psychological support. By combining all of the elements, this refugee resettlement complex can finally bring a strong vitality to St. Louis.
Ground Floor Plan
Central courtyard for check-in process and community gathering
Refugee Community Overview
The Refugee Community is located in the Cortex, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by universities, medical centers and abundant cultural and recreational assets. Combining the lightweight construction with modular units, this refugee resettlement complex can easily expand based on the varied situation. Also, the scaffolding system can be an element to support beyond the physical, providing communal space for integration and psychological support. By combining all of the elements, this refugee resettlement complex can finally bring a strong vitality to St. Louis.
Ground Floor Plan
Central courtyard for check-in process and community gathering
Refugee Community Overview
The Refugee Community is located in the Cortex, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by universities, medical centers and abundant cultural and recreational assets. Combining the lightweight construction with modular units, this refugee resettlement complex can easily expand based on the varied situation. Also, the scaffolding system can be an element to support beyond the physical, providing communal space for integration and psychological support. By combining all of the elements, this refugee resettlement complex can finally bring a strong vitality to St. Louis.
Ground Floor Plan
Central courtyard for check-in process and community gathering
Refugee Community Overview
The Refugee Community is located in the Cortex, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by universities, medical centers and abundant cultural and recreational assets. Combining the lightweight construction with modular units, this refugee resettlement complex can easily expand based on the varied situation. Also, the scaffolding system can be an element to support beyond the physical, providing communal space for integration and psychological support. By combining all of the elements, this refugee resettlement complex can finally bring a strong vitality to St. Louis.
Ground Floor Plan
Central courtyard for check-in process and community gathering
Refugee Community Overview
The Refugee Community is located in the Cortex, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by universities, medical centers and abundant cultural and recreational assets. Combining the lightweight construction with modular units, this refugee resettlement complex can easily expand based on the varied situation. Also, the scaffolding system can be an element to support beyond the physical, providing communal space for integration and psychological support. By combining all of the elements, this refugee resettlement complex can finally bring a strong vitality to St. Louis.
Ground Floor Plan
Central courtyard for check-in process and community gathering
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Brief
After the community has been designed, there is still a lack of humanistic care for the refugees in psychological aspect, especially for those who just experienced the pain of being displaced and fatigue after the long trip. A totally unknown environment really makes them feel anxious and helpless, thus causing a strong sense of hopelessness. To see more detailed research report, please go to my Design Thinking Book.
Brief
After the community has been designed, there is still a lack of humanistic care for the refugees in psychological aspect, especially for those who just experienced the pain of being displaced and fatigue after the long trip. A totally unknown environment really makes them feel anxious and helpless, thus causing a strong sense of hopelessness. To see more detailed research report, please go to my Design Thinking Book.
Brief
After the community has been designed, there is still a lack of humanistic care for the refugees in psychological aspect, especially for those who just experienced the pain of being displaced and fatigue after the long trip. A totally unknown environment really makes them feel anxious and helpless, thus causing a strong sense of hopelessness. To see more detailed research report, please go to my Design Thinking Book.
Brief
After the community has been designed, there is still a lack of humanistic care for the refugees in psychological aspect, especially for those who just experienced the pain of being displaced and fatigue after the long trip. A totally unknown environment really makes them feel anxious and helpless, thus causing a strong sense of hopelessness. To see more detailed research report, please go to my Design Thinking Book.
Brief
After the community has been designed, there is still a lack of humanistic care for the refugees in psychological aspect, especially for those who just experienced the pain of being displaced and fatigue after the long trip. A totally unknown environment really makes them feel anxious and helpless, thus causing a strong sense of hopelessness. To see more detailed research report, please go to my Design Thinking Book.
Research on Bosnians resettled in St.Louis
In order to understand the emotional change during the whole onboarding process, I tried to figure out the real scene of the first arrival. I did this by doing secondary research about Bosnian refugees, the largest refugee population in St.Louis, who have become the most successful immigrants now. There are findings from the news report:
1
Many refugees recalled they were anxious and scared facing the registration officers.
2
More than half of the refugee parents had difficulty in caring for their kids’ emotions.
3
Most of the refugees felt hopeless about future life here.
Research on Bosnians resettled in St.Louis
In order to understand the emotional change during the whole onboarding process, I tried to figure out the real scene of the first arrival. I did this by doing secondary research about Bosnian refugees, the largest refugee population in St.Louis, who have become the most successful immigrants now. There are findings from the news report:
1
Many refugees recalled they were anxious and scared facing the registration officers.
2
More than half of the refugee parents had difficulty in caring for their kids’ emotions.
3
Most of the refugees felt hopeless about future life here.
Research on Bosnians resettled in St.Louis
In order to understand the emotional change during the whole onboarding process, I tried to figure out the real scene of the first arrival. I did this by doing secondary research about Bosnian refugees, the largest refugee population in St.Louis, who have become the most successful immigrants now. There are findings from the news report:
1
Many refugees recalled they were anxious and scared facing the registration officers.
2
More than half of the refugee parents had difficulty in caring for their kids’ emotions.
3
Most of the refugees felt hopeless about future life here.
Research on Bosnians resettled in St.Louis
In order to understand the emotional change during the whole onboarding process, I tried to figure out the real scene of the first arrival. I did this by doing secondary research about Bosnian refugees, the largest refugee population in St.Louis, who have become the most successful immigrants now. There are findings from the news report:
1
Many refugees recalled they were anxious and scared facing the registration officers.
2
More than half of the refugee parents had difficulty in caring for their kids’ emotions.
3
Most of the refugees felt hopeless about future life here.
Research on Bosnians resettled in St.Louis
In order to understand the emotional change during the whole onboarding process, I tried to figure out the real scene of the first arrival. I did this by doing secondary research about Bosnian refugees, the largest refugee population in St.Louis, who have become the most successful immigrants now. There are findings from the news report:
1
Many refugees recalled they were anxious and scared facing the registration officers.
2
More than half of the refugee parents had difficulty in caring for their kids’ emotions.
3
Most of the refugees felt hopeless about future life here.
Takeaways
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Takeaways
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Takeaways
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Takeaways
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Takeaways
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How might we help newcome refugees to alleviate their negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community?
How might we help newcome refugees to alleviate their negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community?
How might we help newcome refugees to alleviate their negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community?
How might we help newcome refugees to alleviate their negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community?
How might we help newcome refugees to alleviate their negative emotions the first time they come to the Refugee Community?
Design process
Design process
Design process
Design process
Design process
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Translation into Product Requirements
Child care options for smooth process
Freedom of wandering around the community
Cheered up to reduce the hopeless emotion
Intuitive and relaxed as possible
Translation into Product Requirements
Child care options for smooth process
Freedom of wandering around the community
Cheered up to reduce the hopeless emotion
Intuitive and relaxed as possible
Translation into Product Requirements
Child care options for smooth process
Freedom of wandering around the community
Cheered up to reduce the hopeless emotion
Intuitive and relaxed as possible
Translation into Product Requirements
Child care options for smooth process
Freedom of wandering around the community
Cheered up to reduce the hopeless emotion
Intuitive and relaxed as possible
Translation into Product Requirements
Child care options for smooth process
Freedom of wandering around the community
Cheered up to reduce the hopeless emotion
Intuitive and relaxed as possible
Solution Brief
A lighting installation system along with the pressure-sensor plates and NFC card navigation system which makes the whole check-in process more interactive and comfortable, compared to the traditional official procedure, by offering different lighting animations based on each specific step from entering the community to finding their apartment.
Main lighting system with 5 animations
Interactive game for kids
Ground pressure- sensor plates
Ancillary lighting system
Guiding lights with NFC system
Solution Brief
A lighting installation system along with the pressure-sensor plates and NFC card navigation system which makes the whole check-in process more interactive and comfortable, compared to the traditional official procedure, by offering different lighting animations based on each specific step from entering the community to finding their apartment.
Main lighting system with 5 animations
Interactive game for kids
Ground pressure- sensor plates
Ancillary lighting system
Guiding lights with NFC system
Solution Brief
A lighting installation system along with the pressure-sensor plates and NFC card navigation system which makes the whole check-in process more interactive and comfortable, compared to the traditional official procedure, by offering different lighting animations based on each specific step from entering the community to finding their apartment.
Main lighting system with 5 animations
Interactive game for kids
Ground pressure- sensor plates
Ancillary lighting system
Guiding lights with NFC system
Solution Brief
A lighting installation system along with the pressure-sensor plates and NFC card navigation system which makes the whole check-in process more interactive and comfortable, compared to the traditional official procedure, by offering different lighting animations based on each specific step from entering the community to finding their apartment.
Main lighting system with 5 animations
Interactive game for kids
Ground pressure- sensor plates
Ancillary lighting system
Guiding lights with NFC system
Solution Brief
A lighting installation system along with the pressure-sensor plates and NFC card navigation system which makes the whole check-in process more interactive and comfortable, compared to the traditional official procedure, by offering different lighting animations based on each specific step from entering the community to finding their apartment.
Main lighting system with 5 animations
Interactive game for kids
Ground pressure- sensor plates
Ancillary lighting system
Guiding lights with NFC system
Persona
Persona
Persona
Persona
Persona
Journey Map As-is
Journey Map As-is
Journey Map As-is
Journey Map As-is
Journey Map As-is
Journey Map To-be
Journey Map To-be
Journey Map To-be
Journey Map To-be
Journey Map To-be
NFC System Diagram
It’s conflicting when there are more than just one person who wants to use the guiding lights so that a solution needs to be come up with to avoid this situation.
The NFC system is embedded in the terminal lights at the entrance of each building. When someone stops wondering and wants to find their apartment, he can just scan the NFC card on one of the terminal light platform and then the same-color guiding lights would be triggered so he can find the way to his apartment.
NFC System Diagram
It’s conflicting when there are more than just one person who wants to use the guiding lights so that a solution needs to be come up with to avoid this situation.
The NFC system is embedded in the terminal lights at the entrance of each building. When someone stops wondering and wants to find their apartment, he can just scan the NFC card on one of the terminal light platform and then the same-color guiding lights would be triggered so he can find the way to his apartment.
NFC System Diagram
It’s conflicting when there are more than just one person who wants to use the guiding lights so that a solution needs to be come up with to avoid this situation.
The NFC system is embedded in the terminal lights at the entrance of each building. When someone stops wondering and wants to find their apartment, he can just scan the NFC card on one of the terminal light platform and then the same-color guiding lights would be triggered so he can find the way to his apartment.
NFC System Diagram
It’s conflicting when there are more than just one person who wants to use the guiding lights so that a solution needs to be come up with to avoid this situation.
The NFC system is embedded in the terminal lights at the entrance of each building. When someone stops wondering and wants to find their apartment, he can just scan the NFC card on one of the terminal light platform and then the same-color guiding lights would be triggered so he can find the way to his apartment.
NFC System Diagram
It’s conflicting when there are more than just one person who wants to use the guiding lights so that a solution needs to be come up with to avoid this situation.
The NFC system is embedded in the terminal lights at the entrance of each building. When someone stops wondering and wants to find their apartment, he can just scan the NFC card on one of the terminal light platform and then the same-color guiding lights would be triggered so he can find the way to his apartment.
Axon As-is
The original project layout is shown as below: there is a central courtyard connected with the main entrance at the southeast corner, and the apartment buildings are distributed at the north side. The current layout without any guidance would be hard to navigate for those who come to the community for the first time. Also, the waiting queue for check-in process is inefficient. All of the above could aggravate the negative emotions of newcome refugees.
Axon As-is
The original project layout is shown as below: there is a central courtyard connected with the main entrance at the southeast corner, and the apartment buildings are distributed at the north side. The current layout without any guidance would be hard to navigate for those who come to the community for the first time. Also, the waiting queue for check-in process is inefficient. All of the above could aggravate the negative emotions of newcome refugees.
Axon As-is
The original project layout is shown as below: there is a central courtyard connected with the main entrance at the southeast corner, and the apartment buildings are distributed at the north side. The current layout without any guidance would be hard to navigate for those who come to the community for the first time. Also, the waiting queue for check-in process is inefficient. All of the above could aggravate the negative emotions of newcome refugees.
Axon As-is
The original project layout is shown as below: there is a central courtyard connected with the main entrance at the southeast corner, and the apartment buildings are distributed at the north side. The current layout without any guidance would be hard to navigate for those who come to the community for the first time. Also, the waiting queue for check-in process is inefficient. All of the above could aggravate the negative emotions of newcome refugees.
Axon As-is
The original project layout is shown as below: there is a central courtyard connected with the main entrance at the southeast corner, and the apartment buildings are distributed at the north side. The current layout without any guidance would be hard to navigate for those who come to the community for the first time. Also, the waiting queue for check-in process is inefficient. All of the above could aggravate the negative emotions of newcome refugees.
Axon To-be
In this project, the Refugee Community Project has already been designed based on the idea of “growing scaffolding” with well-organized layout. To keep consistent with the architectural language, I follow this concept of scaffolding to design a lighting structure which creates a lively atmosphere that could help alleviate refugees’ negative emotions.
Axon To-be
In this project, the Refugee Community Project has already been designed based on the idea of “growing scaffolding” with well-organized layout. To keep consistent with the architectural language, I follow this concept of scaffolding to design a lighting structure which creates a lively atmosphere that could help alleviate refugees’ negative emotions.
Axon To-be
In this project, the Refugee Community Project has already been designed based on the idea of “growing scaffolding” with well-organized layout. To keep consistent with the architectural language, I follow this concept of scaffolding to design a lighting structure which creates a lively atmosphere that could help alleviate refugees’ negative emotions.
Axon To-be
In this project, the Refugee Community Project has already been designed based on the idea of “growing scaffolding” with well-organized layout. To keep consistent with the architectural language, I follow this concept of scaffolding to design a lighting structure which creates a lively atmosphere that could help alleviate refugees’ negative emotions.
Axon To-be
In this project, the Refugee Community Project has already been designed based on the idea of “growing scaffolding” with well-organized layout. To keep consistent with the architectural language, I follow this concept of scaffolding to design a lighting structure which creates a lively atmosphere that could help alleviate refugees’ negative emotions.
Key Frames
Mist Lines (default state): When there is no one check in, the main lighting system can be set to a resting state and it can attract newcomers to the central courtyard at the same time.
Embrace (welcome state): At the entrance of the community, the main lighting system in the courtyard displays the welcoming animation, flying butterfly wings, when there is newcomer refugees waiting for registration.
Loading Bar (pregame state): Kids often need some reminders and permission before they play games, and the situation becomes more special when they first come to the community with an unknown staff here. As a result, a loading-like animation is needed to somehow give them a signal to start playing games.
Piano Key (interactive game): When the staff is helping with the check-in procedure, the main lighting system is lighted up when the kid steps on the pressure-sensor plates hidden on the ground.
Growing Trees (celebration): After the registration process is completed, the celebration animation would appear as growing trees that can give the newcome refugees a sense of relief and hope for their future life.
Guiding Lights: The ground guiding lights flow to light up the terminal lights.
Key Frames
Mist Lines (default state): When there is no one check in, the main lighting system can be set to a resting state and it can attract newcomers to the central courtyard at the same time.
Embrace (welcome state): At the entrance of the community, the main lighting system in the courtyard displays the welcoming animation, flying butterfly wings, when there is newcomer refugees waiting for registration.
Loading Bar (pregame state): Kids often need some reminders and permission before they play games, and the situation becomes more special when they first come to the community with an unknown staff here. As a result, a loading-like animation is needed to somehow give them a signal to start playing games.
Piano Key (interactive game): When the staff is helping with the check-in procedure, the main lighting system is lighted up when the kid steps on the pressure-sensor plates hidden on the ground.
Growing Trees (celebration): After the registration process is completed, the celebration animation would appear as growing trees that can give the newcome refugees a sense of relief and hope for their future life.
Guiding Lights: The ground guiding lights flow to light up the terminal lights.
Key Frames
Mist Lines (default state): When there is no one check in, the main lighting system can be set to a resting state and it can attract newcomers to the central courtyard at the same time.
Embrace (welcome state): At the entrance of the community, the main lighting system in the courtyard displays the welcoming animation, flying butterfly wings, when there is newcomer refugees waiting for registration.
Loading Bar (pregame state): Kids often need some reminders and permission before they play games, and the situation becomes more special when they first come to the community with an unknown staff here. As a result, a loading-like animation is needed to somehow give them a signal to start playing games.
Piano Key (interactive game): When the staff is helping with the check-in procedure, the main lighting system is lighted up when the kid steps on the pressure-sensor plates hidden on the ground.
Growing Trees (celebration): After the registration process is completed, the celebration animation would appear as growing trees that can give the newcome refugees a sense of relief and hope for their future life.
Guiding Lights: The ground guiding lights flow to light up the terminal lights.
Key Frames
Mist Lines (default state): When there is no one check in, the main lighting system can be set to a resting state and it can attract newcomers to the central courtyard at the same time.
Embrace (welcome state): At the entrance of the community, the main lighting system in the courtyard displays the welcoming animation, flying butterfly wings, when there is newcomer refugees waiting for registration.
Loading Bar (pregame state): Kids often need some reminders and permission before they play games, and the situation becomes more special when they first come to the community with an unknown staff here. As a result, a loading-like animation is needed to somehow give them a signal to start playing games.
Piano Key (interactive game): When the staff is helping with the check-in procedure, the main lighting system is lighted up when the kid steps on the pressure-sensor plates hidden on the ground.
Growing Trees (celebration): After the registration process is completed, the celebration animation would appear as growing trees that can give the newcome refugees a sense of relief and hope for their future life.
Guiding Lights: The ground guiding lights flow to light up the terminal lights.
Key Frames
Mist Lines (default state): When there is no one check in, the main lighting system can be set to a resting state and it can attract newcomers to the central courtyard at the same time.
Embrace (welcome state): At the entrance of the community, the main lighting system in the courtyard displays the welcoming animation, flying butterfly wings, when there is newcomer refugees waiting for registration.
Loading Bar (pregame state): Kids often need some reminders and permission before they play games, and the situation becomes more special when they first come to the community with an unknown staff here. As a result, a loading-like animation is needed to somehow give them a signal to start playing games.
Piano Key (interactive game): When the staff is helping with the check-in procedure, the main lighting system is lighted up when the kid steps on the pressure-sensor plates hidden on the ground.
Growing Trees (celebration): After the registration process is completed, the celebration animation would appear as growing trees that can give the newcome refugees a sense of relief and hope for their future life.
Guiding Lights: The ground guiding lights flow to light up the terminal lights.