Performative Media / Assignment 02

Due Date : 19/11/2024

Task

1. Concept Development (Assignment 1)

• Choose a Subject: Begin by selecting a main theme or subject to explore (e.g., "Taylor University").
• Ideate a Concept: Identify a unique angle or message that offers a fresh perspective on your subject, going beyond the obvious (e.g., "The Hidden Voices of Taylor" or "The Heart of Campus Life").
• Create an Abstract Title: Develop a compelling, abstract title that hints at the deeper theme of your concept and captures interest.

2. Define Focus Area

• Outline the focus area of your concept, thinking about the core message or perspective you aim to convey. Make sure this aligns with your chosen subject to establish a clear direction.

3. Content and Elements

• Generate content ideas and list the key elements you want to include. Consider what symbols, images, or themes will visually and thematically represent your concept.

4. Storyboard Prototype

• Storyboard Structure: Create a simple storyboard with one main image that visually represents your concept. Underneath, include a short explanation describing the image, what it represents, and how it connects to your idea.
• Narrative Focus: Align your storyboard with the title and concept, keeping the explanation straightforward to ensure clarity.
• Presentation Duration: Prepare to present this storyboard in approximately 5 minutes, explaining the narrative and conceptual background effectively.

5. Reflective Essay (Portfolio Requirement)

• Write a reflective essay to document your creative process, thought development, and any insights gained throughout the assignment. This essay will serve as a personal account of your journey and will be included in your portfolio.

Assignment Brief 

Assignment Outcome

Presentation Link 

Reflection

In this assignment, our objective was to create a final storyboard for our project, building upon the concept developed in our first assignment. My first step was to focus on a specific aspect of the space, and from the beginning of Assignment 01, I was drawn to emphasizing community connection within Habitat 67. I decided to center the theme around Expo 67, an international exhibition that celebrated innovation, cultural exchange, and the gathering of diverse people. I felt this theme would offer a unique and exciting perspective on community connection, blending historical significance with the idea of communal engagement. However, as I started refining the storyboard and adding more detail, I found myself struggling with how to move forward, which left me feeling confused and frustrated. To overcome this, I sought additional inspiration and examples online to guide my process.

During the research phase, I came across Habitat 67, which immediately captivated me with its innovative architecture and its significance as a symbol of modular urban living. The building’s history and design stood out as an ideal setting for exploring community connection, especially when viewed through the lens of Expo 67, which was a pivotal moment in Canadian history. After deciding that Expo 67 would be a fitting theme, I dove deeper into Habitat 67’s background, the community living within it, and the building's role in shaping social interaction. However, this phase proved to be challenging. A lot of the information available was either vague or conflicting, making it difficult to fully understand how to present the story effectively.

In terms of the storyboard, my goal was to visually represent the theme of community connection within Habitat 67. The initial scenes illustrate how the different units of the community come together in one shared space, symbolizing unity. A key transition in the storyboard involves an elderly resident sharing stories about Expo 67, bridging past experiences with the present. This part is designed to highlight how memories and traditions are passed down through generations, creating a strong sense of community identity. Children running through the scene further symbolize the continuity of these connections, showing that community bonds extend beyond time and age.

Since this assignment builds on the first, part of the storyline was already developed. However, I realized I needed to refine it to focus more on the theme of community connection. This was a challenging part of the process, as I struggled to find the right balance and relevance. After seeking feedback from friends and conducting more research, I was able to identify ways to adapt the storyline to more effectively showcase the theme of community. Their suggestions, along with insights from online sources, helped me clarify my approach and develop a stronger connection between the Expo 67 theme and the concept of community within Habitat 67.

Another challenge I faced was deciding on visual elements—specifically, how to represent the Expo 67 segment without overshadowing the community connection theme. I wanted the visuals to enhance the narrative, but not detract from the central message. I spent considerable time gathering archival footage and images from Expo 67, analyzing how other installations have integrated historical content. This research gave me a clearer understanding of how to incorporate Expo 67’s significance into the storyline while maintaining a focus on community.

Additionally, I began to think about how interactive elements could enhance the user experience. One idea I developed was to create a booth in one corner of the installation where users could step inside and imagine themselves as part of a family featured in the projections. This would allow users to actively engage with the installation and experience the community connection firsthand. By immersing users in this way, I hoped to foster a deeper emotional connection with the story.

Overall, this assignment allowed me to further refine my creative and critical thinking skills by focusing more on the theme of community connection. It deepened my understanding of the process involved in creating an immersive media installation, particularly in structuring a detailed storyboard that aligns with a core theme. This project also emphasized the importance of user experience in installations and how interactive elements can strengthen audience engagement. Moreover, I learned how to translate my ideas into a tangible prototype, expressing the concept of Habitat 67 and Expo 67 in a way that resonates with viewers. The experience has not only helped me grow as a storyteller but also enhanced my ability to connect research, creativity, and interactivity in a meaningful way.