The design journey of this project began with the exploration of the concept of "meta wellness." Wellness as an active process through which people become more aware of themselves and helps them to make choices towards a more successful existence, was the steering axis of the project.


Core Concepts of the Experience

Building upon the notion of meta wellness, several key concepts emerged to shape the design of Refractive.VR. These include:

Zero Gravity: Leveraging the unique properties of a virtual environment to create a sense of weightlessness.

Mind, Body, and Soul: Addressing the comprehensive nature of wellness at a human level.

Holistic Peacefulness: Emphasizing emotional tranquility as a vital component of wellness.

Cocoons: Symbolizing safety and comfort, akin to the nurturing environment of a mother’s womb.

Light Spectrum: Utilizing colors to evoke a range of emotions, as color serves as a vibration of energy.

Floating Elements: Conceptualizing a meta experience through buoyant structures.
The final name, "Refractive.VR," embodies these essential characteristics, reflecting a spectrum of colors that resonate with varying frequencies of thought and emotion.


Architectural Inspiration and Design 

The design team was particularly captivated by the concept of floating forms—sculptures that hover above the ground—challenging conventional entryways to spaces. Light plays a crucial role in guiding visitors, illuminating pathways to diverse experiences. Initial sketches featured floating cocoons that explored the relationship between unity and individuality, considering how spaces could function as both private and public environments.

The ultimate design crystallized into three floating bubbles, each representing a distinct aspect of wellness: body, mind, and soul. These bubbles are dispersed across different levels and interconnected by ramps, providing unique experiences while remaining independent from one another. Additionally, a network of walkable ramps, with a water base, allows avatars to traverse the environment freely. 


Credits:
Studio workshop by PAACADEMY
Studio title: Meta-Fluid 
Lead by: Mariana Cabugueira
Project name: Refractive.VR
Students: Zouha Jabal, Urszula Zwierzynska, Ipek Yilmaz
Date: From May 15 to July 15, 2022