The Ravine:
An Indoor Oasis
Thesis Project
MS Integrated Design and Media
New York University
Overview
The Ravine: An Indoor Oasis is a multisensory installation designed to bridge the gap between urban living and the natural environment. This project was inspired by the Ravine in Prospect Park and explores the integration of green spaces within urban settings through biophilic design principles. The installation aims to create an immersive experience that encourages contemplation of nature's benefits and the necessity of green spaces in cities.
Timeframe: January to December, 2023
Problem
Urbanization has significantly reduced the availability of green spaces, impacting the quality of life for city dwellers. Limited access to nature has been linked to various health issues, including increased stress and reduced mental well-being. The challenge was to find an innovative way to incorporate elements of nature into urban settings, making them more accessible and beneficial to the residents.
The primary objective of this project was to address the scarcity of accessible green spaces in urban environments and to promote the psychological and physical benefits that such spaces provide. By creating a tangible, interactive installation, I wanted to foster a deeper connection between urban residents and nature, enhancing their overall well-being. A secondary goal was to spread awareness of Prospect Park's Ravine, the only forest in NYC!
For a deeper review, feel free to read my thesis paper.
Research
I conducted a review of literature on biophilic design, the psychological effects of green spaces, and urbanization's impact on access to nature. I gathered quantitative and qualitative data wthrough surveys to explore individuals' preferences and experiences with indoor and outdoor green spaces, especially in New York City. Additionally, I conducted speculative design interviews at various stages with different iterations of the prototype.
Design
Biophilic design principles guided my development of the installation, focusing on engaging multiple senses.
The design process was iterative. Before I had a clear vision for my project, I began conceptual explorations with hand sketching and generating images using AI. In the beginning, my idea was vague and nebulous. As I refined, I continued to use AI-generated images and created digital prototypes to get closer and closer to the final product without investing too heavily in physical prototyping too early on.
A clickable prototype of the idea used to collect feedback.
The second iteration involved transitioning from conceptual designs to physical installations, capturing video and audio recordings of The Ravine to recreate its essence indoors. The installation featured projected visuals, soundscapes, and interactive elements to provide an immersive experience.
Conclusion
The installation successfully created a space that resonated with users, sparking conversations about the importance of green spaces in urban areas. Visitors reported feeling more relaxed and connected to nature, highlighting the project's potential to improve urban living conditions. The project demonstrated that integrating nature into built environments could significantly enhance the quality of life, advocating for more green spaces within cities.