Heat Waves VR Experience

Brief

The objective of this project was to translate a song into a spatial experience. The chosen song could be interpreted in various ways: as a Mis-en-scene, imagining oneself within the cinematic space, or as an immersive spatial experience that places the user inside the cinematic space. The aim was to create a music video atmosphere, which could be abstract, narrative-based, or performance-oriented. The approaches:

  • Abstract: Allowing the music to generate colors and shapes.
  • Narrative: Letting the song tell a story.
  • Performance: Enabling bodies to perform.

The goal was to use one or a combination of these approaches to craft a unique spatial experience inspired by the chosen song.

Solution

For this project, I chose "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals. The focus was on capturing the vibe of a seaside drive, inspired by the aesthetic of driving in the game GTA. Using an abstract style, the experience featured a seaside atmosphere with colors and shapes that responded to the music in real time. The project was also influenced by the weird and whacky aesthetic typical of Glass Animals' music and videos.

Atmosphere and Emotion: The intended atmosphere was that of a sunset drive or road trip, evoking feelings of peace and a hint of uncertainty. The vaporwave style was employed to enhance the dreamlike, nostalgic quality of the experience.

Spatial Translation: The central element of the space was a car, which served as the "home base" for the audience within the VR experience. This familiar setting grounded the users while the environment around them changed dynamically, creating the sensation of being transported. This choice of setting leveraged the common practice of listening to music while traveling, which often acts as a journey into our subconscious, fostering imagination and reflection.

Experience Design: The audience remained in the car throughout the experience, driving through various abstract environments. This interaction aimed to make the audience feel like the main character in a music video, fully immersed in the shifting landscapes and the rhythm of the music. The changing environments, influenced by the song's beats and melodies, allowed for a continuous and engaging exploration of the spatialized musical experience.

Year
2023
Services
Design, Animation, Programming, VR
Client
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
Project Link
Credits

Design, Production, Programming: Mayuri Sajnani

Advisor: Martin Schwember

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Credits

Design, Production, Programming: Mayuri Sajnani

Advisor: Martin Schwember

Created using Figma
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