Spatial Design ll / final project

Spatial Design ll / Final project

Starting from 12.2024
4.2025 -8.2025 / Week 1 - Week 14
Ge Xianjing / 0377636
Spatial Design ll / Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design (Honours)

✨ Modeling Evolution: From Prototype to Immersive Space

In this project, I gradually developed an immersive installation based on the conceptual theme of “Tethered Soul.” The following is a step-by-step breakdown of how I refined the model—from the initial sculpt to the fully contextualized spatial design.

🧩 Initial Form & Local Experiments

I started by sculpting a basic inverted face structure, exploring ways to convey cracks, hollows, and a sense of collapse. Early versions featured a high-poly smooth mesh to test lighting and shadow behavior, especially under the chin area where supporting elements were inserted for future construction logic.

Next, I simplified the face into a low-poly aesthetic, emphasizing angularity and abstraction. This stylization gave the head a sculptural, almost monolithic presence. I then added the eye socket and cage-like rib arches, evoking a metaphor of constraint and tension—key emotional themes of the project.

🌀 Base Platform & Circulation Design

To enhance the spatial experience, I designed a layered base structure with fluid, curved walkways to guide visitors around the central installation. I also mapped out the placement of the meditation and brand info zones. These early layout experim
ents ensured spatial flow and accessibility.

🌱 Interior Details & Emotional Contrast

With the form stabilized, I moved to detailing the interior. The ceiling dome was decorated with twisting vine-like light structures, enhancing the surreal, immersive feeling. Potted plants and greenery were added around the installation to create a contrast between natural life and psychological pressure—a core duality of the work.

🌌 Final Rendering & Narrative Completion

Lastly, I rendered the entire scene in Cycles, adding detailed textures such as rocks, foliage, and lighting effects to bring the space to life. The final installation integrates three key functions: artistic display, immersive reflection, and brand communication. The fractured face, piercing eye, and enveloping structure together narrate a journey of introspection, tension, and symbolic entrapment.

At the core of the face lies a kinetic cybernetic eye — not merely symbolic, but mechanically functional. Built with brushed titanium and translucent acrylic, the eye pulses open and shut slowly when visitors approach, revealing layers of lens rings and fiber-like iris textures, echoing the tension between surveillance and vulnerability

The fractured lower face is constructed from hundreds of triangulated mirror segments. Visitors see themselves reflected in scattered facets, a poetic nod to fragmented identity. As light bounces across its surface, the entire structure becomes a reflective landscape

The cut-open forehead acts as a sensory chamber — one steps inside the mind of the installation. White brushed steel frames the aperture, while soft acoustic padding muffles external noise. Subtle white noise and brand projections foster introspection and deep visual immersion

Sketch Process & Revision Rationale

Initial Sketch – Rejected:

My first layout attempt focused on a balanced distribution of functions. However, it lacked a strong central visual anchor, as pointed out by my lecturer. The layout failed to create an immersive experience, and the spatial narrative wasn’t driven by any sculptural or interactive focal point.

Second Sketch – Revised Focus:

To address this, I redesigned the entire plan around a central sculptural installation, which now serves as both the spatial and emotional core. This structure invites user interaction, directs movement, and reflects the “Tethered Soul” concept. I also refined each functional area—adding spatial markers like layered wall outlines, dynamic light zones, modular seating, display frames, and more detailed annotations.

This progression clearly aligns with the assignment’s emphasis on emotional atmosphere, brand storytelling, and interactive participation.

After refining my sketches, I transitioned into the 3D modelling stage using Blender. To capture the fluid and sculptural qualities of my space, I employed Bezier Curves as the foundational tool for defining the organic forms of the installation, dynamic walls, and seating modules.

Originally, I also experimented with a layered or stepped floor design. However, I later found that it made it difficult to embed the central face installation properly. As a result, I decided to abandon the tiered flooring and returned to a flat base to ensure the overall integrity of the main structure.

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Next, I moved on to developing the spatial details for each zone. I began by finalizing the six primary functional areas of my project, which are:

Cashier Zone
Rest Area
Central Interactive Installation (which I named Tethered Soul)
Mini Interactive Zone (titled “Silk Maze”)
Exhibition & Display Zone
VIP Eyewear Testing Room

In addition to these, I also considered two smaller yet essential architectural features: the main entrance gate and the display windows on either side. Together, these components shape the flow and narrative rhythm of the entire retail space.

In my design, the VIP Zone is envisioned as a private, multifunctional room that combines both exhibition and relaxation functions.

The area is divided into two key subspaces:

One serves as a compact gallery for limited-edition sunglasses, equipped with enclosed display cabinets and glass shelving;
The other is a more relaxed storage and discussion corner, furnished with lockers, a side table, and lounge seating.

To enhance the immersive brand experience, I plan to install large posters on the walls—emphasizing storytelling and bold visual identity within the VIP enclosure.

🪑 Rest Area

Following my instructor’s suggestion, I adapted the design of the central installation’s curved seating and echoed that form in the main resting area.

The seating is arc-shaped, organically wrapping around circular tables to provide intimate gathering spaces.

I introduced a natural light testing zone next to the seating area, which aligns with the results of my previous survey. Many respondents expressed the need for a space where they could not only rest and chat, but also try on sunglasses under real daylight, not just artificial retail lighting.

This setup supports a dual-purpose: relaxation and authentic product experience.

Cashier Zone

I choose to set up the cashier counter on the left side as you enter. Firstly, the location is very prominent. Secondly, it is convenient for customers to browse around and settle the bill when they exit through the main door after their shopping is done

Central Interactive Installation (which I named Tethered Soul)

🕶️ Eyewear Display Area

This is the main glasses display zone, where I incorporated both wall-mounted shelving and freestanding tables to showcase the products in two distinct formats:

The vertical shelves on the wall allow clear categorization and visibility of eyewear collections.
The display tables at the center encourage close-up interaction and try-ons, making it a dedicated test-wear area.

Visitors are encouraged to browse and select from a wide range of styles, enhancing the sense of product immersion and tactile engagement.

Mini Interactive Zone (titled “Silk Maze”)

This area is designed as a soft partitioned corridor composed of vertical silk panels. It creates a semi-private maze-like walkway, inviting users to:

Walk through the silk folds and experience gentle tactile feedback

Discover eyewear subtly displayed within the folds, making the exploration both sensory and product-driven

Supporting elements include the dual showcase display windows at the entrance, layered spatial rhythm from curved walls and floor zones, and a carefully choreographed visitor journey from public interaction to private exploration.

🪟 Display Window Design

At this stage, the sunglasses models have not yet been placed inside the display windows. However, the design intention is to create a suspended sunglasses effect, where the glasses appear to float above sculptural seating elements.

🧱 Material Application Begins

After finalizing the spatial layout, I began applying the foundational material palette. Based on findings from my user research survey, I opted for a minimalist black-and-white theme. The exterior walls are rendered in matte black brick, conveying a sense of sophistication and mystery, while the interior walls are kept clean and white to enhance light reflection and contrast.

To enrich the material language and add a touch of modern elegance, metallic wall-mounted shelving and marble flooring elements were integrated as accents throughout the space.

Each low-height wall (used as spatial dividers) is equipped not only with connected display shelves but also with mirrored wall panels, allowing users to walk freely and try on eyewear at any point. These mirrors enhance the visual depth of the space while enabling an intuitive, spontaneous shopping experience.

This combination reflects both the brand’s futuristic identity and the calm clarity users seek within the store environment.

VIP

I have collected advertisements of brands and embedded them as decorations. It can be seen that the design of the light strip is wrapped around the wall in a flowing and natural manner, and it highlights the minimalist style

Entrance & Cash area

The storefront design follows a transparent flow-through concept. On both sides of the main entrance, large display windows act as visual invitations. These displays are not static; the sunglasses are designed to appear suspended above chairs, blending surrealism with brand identity.

The front door adopts a wide glass panel frame with brushed black metal trim, featuring Gentle Monster's logo in gold-plated finish.

Immediately upon entry, visitors are greeted by a fluid-shaped reception console, organically merging into the interior flooring. Behind the counter stands a textured concrete backdrop, engraved with the Gentle Monster emblem. The counter area is also complemented by sculptural stone plinths beneath a dynamic lighting array—positioned to emphasize promotional pieces or limited-edition eyewear.

Central Installation – Tethered Soul

At the heart of the store lies the central installation titled “Tethered Soul”, a surreal sculpture resembling a cracked human face embedded with a mechanical eye. The design reflects the core concept of emotional entrapment and surveillance, aiming to evoke introspection from viewers. The outer surface is crafted with white stainless steel, symbolizing purity and contradiction, while the central eye is meticulously modeled with metallic and glass-like materials, revealing inner mechanical components that subtly rotate.

Surrounding the installation is a layered circular platform resembling a miniature theater stage, constructed with a gradient of stone textures to enhance depth and ritualistic quality. On both sides, you will find organic-shaped planter seats, blending vegetation into the installation and creating an immersive space where visitors can rest, contemplate, or photograph the piece.

Silk Maze – Interactive Zone 2

Behind the central piece lies the second interactive area: the Silk Maze. Composed of vertical textile panels with flowing, gray-white translucent fabric, this maze encourages visitors to walk through softly swaying partitions. While navigating, they encounter hidden displays of eyewear embedded between the curtains, creating a mysterious and playful interaction.

Rest Area – Curved Comfort

Incorporating the instructor’s feedback, the seating design in the rest area mirrors the curved geometry of the central installation. The soft arcs not only provide visual unity but also ergonomic comfort. This space is located near the natural light band, allowing users to sit under actual sunlight — ideal for trying on sunglasses in real-world lighting conditions. This design choice directly addresses findings from the initial user survey, where respondents expressed the desire for sunlit spaces to test lenses and relax.

Digital Interaction – Smart Touchpoint

Aligned with the needs identified in the survey, I also designed a digital product query system. Near the central zone, a sleek digital kiosk is positioned beside a QR code display board. Customers can either interact with the touchscreen to browse product details or scan the QR code using their phones to get more information on the sunglasses they are trying on. This touchpoint blends functionality with convenience, supporting a self-guided shopping experience.

From Blender to Lumion: My Journey of Exporting and Reapplying Textures

In this project, I attempted to export my finished model from Blender as an FBX file and import it into Lumion for rendering. While the overall process seemed straightforward, I encountered some real issues along the way—particularly regarding missing image textures.

🧩 First Import: My Ad Poster Disappeared?

After importing the model into Lumion, the geometry loaded correctly, but the ad poster I had set up in Blender was completely missing. It was replaced by a blank gray area. This made me a little anxious, as the poster was one of the key features in my design.

🌟 Fortunately, I Like My Teacher

I reached out to my teacher for help, and he patiently analyzed the issue with me. He recommended a YouTube tutorial that explained how to correctly export textures and reassign materials in Lumion. The video was incredibly helpful and guided me step-by-step through the logic behind texture loss.

Here’s what I learned: https://youtu.be/bUHNKjBYZL8?si=EItSqr-xRyAIe7Yo

In Blender, image textures must be connected to the Base Color input of the shader;

When exporting the FBX file, the path mode must be set to Copy, and the little icon on the right ("Embed Textures") must be enabled to pack the images into the FBX;

However, even with embedded textures, Lumion sometimes won’t read them—so it’s often best to manually import and reassign textures.

In the end, I manually uploaded the original ad image into Lumion’s material editor and adjusted its position and scale. While it wasn’t an automatic fix, I now know how to handle similar issues—and I’ve gained a better understanding of professional workflows.

Spatial Visualization

To clearly communicate the spatial logic of the store, I created a full set of technical renderings:

Floor Plan: A top-down layout view highlighting circulation flow and zoning logic.
Section View: A sliced view from the side, revealing internal depth and vertical layering.
Elevation 01: A frontal cut through the main façade, excluding the left display window to focus on the central axis.
Elevation 02: A lateral cut from the right, showcasing how each functional space connects spatially.

These drawings help viewers understand not just the aesthetics but also the spatial narrative and interactive experience within the Gentle Monster flagship store.

Rendering Process – Visualizing "Tethered Soul"

🧱 1. Preparing the Model

Before rendering, I finalized the structure in Blender, carefully adjusting the proportions of each zone (e.g. central installation, VIP room, silk maze).
I used Bézier curves for smooth flowlines and constructed each wall and platform with appropriate thickness to ensure realism.

“One challenge was how to embed the abstract fractured face into the environment. I simplified the geometry but kept the layering tension.”

💡 2. Material Mapping

Based on my previous mood board and material selection, I mapped the following key materials:

Matte black stone tiles (exterior)
White frosted steel (central face)
Mirror fragments (lower structure)
Grey-beige silk (maze zone)
Curved marble seating (rest areas)
LED panel walls (digital info zones)

I avoided overly shiny shaders to maintain the tactile softness Gentle Monster is known for.

🌫️ 3. Lighting & Camera Setup

I used a three-point lighting system with subtle HDRI environments to simulate natural indoor shadows.
The skylight was key to create daylight in the rest area, while soft spotlights highlighted the main installation.

Camera angles were chosen to emphasize:

Visitor experience at eye level
The emotional atmosphere of each zone
Contrasts between structure and void

📸 4. Rendering Output & Post-processing

I rendered most views in Cycles at 2000x3000px resolution, focusing on the VIP Room, Entrance, and Central Installation.
Post-processing involved soft contrast, light haze, and color correction in Photoshop, aligning visuals with my original concept keywords:

Surreal · Reflective · Fragmented · Calm tension

🟫 A. Window Display Area (Top Left Corner)

Location: On both sides of the main entrance
Content: Left side features stone pillars and installation models; right side includes floating chairs and lighting elements
Feature: Enhances brand identity and attracts passersby for photo opportunities

🟫 B. Cashier & Reception Area (Upper Center)

Content: Cashier counter, brand backdrop, reception seating
Design Language: Metallic materials and warm lighting to highlight brand recognition

🟫 C. Central Installation Zone (Center of Plan)

Suggested Name: The Tethered Soul Eye
Content: Hollowed steel rib structure, abstract human face sculpture, semi-surrounding steps
Material: White stainless steel, surrounded by green plants
Function: Immersive installation & primary photo spot

🟫 D. Eyewear Display Zone (Encircling the Center)

Design: Curved partition walls with mirror backgrounds and built-in display racks

Feature: Visitors can try on glasses freely as they explore the space

🟫 E. Silk Maze Interaction Zone (Bottom Left Corner)

Elements: Layered semi-transparent fabric curtains + curved wall structure
Concept: Exploration pathway with tactile softness and visual layering
Function: Immersive photo and walk-through experience

🟫 F. Digital Info & QR Code Station (Right of Center)

Features: Touchscreen info kiosk + QR code display
Function: Users can scan to view sunglasses details, brand info, prices, or virtual try-ons

🟫 G. Rest & Meditation Zone (Bottom Right)

Setup: Curved sofa, decorative wall, large backdrop photos
Atmosphere: Soft enclosure with ambient background music
Function: Calm resting space for quiet interaction or relaxation

🟫 H. VIP Customization Area (Top Right Corner)

Zones: Meeting table, private custom display shelves, partitioned area
Note: Exclusive access for members, premium product showcase

🟫 I. Café Corner / Social Hub (Lower Right Corner)

Design: Circular high tables and stools enclosed by curved wall
Use: Waiting lounge or informal social gathering space

This project reimagines a Gentle Monster flagship store as a hybrid space that fuses art, commerce, and emotional interaction. Drawing from user survey insights and brand philosophy, the store breaks away from traditional retail formats. At its heart lies an immersive central installation, The Tethered Soul Eye, which anchors the entire spatial rhythm. Around it, curated zones—ranging from mirrored display walls and a silk maze to private VIP rooms—offer layered experiences of discovery, contemplation, and engagement. Every curve, material, and function reflects the duality of visibility and introspection, staying true to Gentle Monster’s boundary-pushing spirit.

Gentle Monster: Tethered Soul Immersive Lab(Lumion animation)

Project Statement

Rooted in the insights of real user needs and emotional desires, Tethered Soul reimagines the Gentle Monster retail space as an interactive installation lab—where shopping becomes a surreal journey of self-perception. Drawing from over 30 user responses, the design fuses fragmented identity, emotional tension, and co-creative experiences into a spatial narrative.

This concept merges bold visual storytelling with soft contemplative zones, offering areas for AR try-ons, sculptural exploration, and moments of introspection. From blinking steel faces to silk labyrinths, each zone invites visitors to be seen, to reflect, and to rediscover their own expressive rhythm within the brand’s evolving identity.

The creation of this Gentle Monster retail installation was not merely about designing a commercial space — it was an exploration of perception, presence, and emotional resonance. Every curve, reflection, and texture was carefully selected to evoke a layered experience: from the fractured face that blinks at your approach, to the veil-like silk maze that invites quiet disorientation.

The store invites users to wander rather than walk, to pause rather than pass through. This is a space where retail transforms into ritual — where mirrors don’t just reflect appearance, but challenge identity. Through responsive installations, immersive lighting, and thoughtful zoning, visitors can test, rest, reflect, and re-engage with the very act of “seeing.”

This project blends the emotional poetry of space with practical touchpoints like digital info kiosks, real-light testing zones, and intuitive product displays — proving that art and commerce are not opposites, but intertwined forces in meaningful spatial design.

Final poster design

Final explanation video

https://youtu.be/PnoAHm2IXhk

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GEXIANJING (0377636)