AWAKENING VENÁ
Design Concept for a New Immersive Sensorial Experience Inspired by the Legends of Angel Falls
Analyze a new way to create an immersive experience with multisensory engagements explicitly designed to fully manipulate and enhance the human sensory apparatus, integrating projection mapping, sensors, and storytelling.
The primary focus is to create an immersive exhibition space where people can experience a symbiotic relationship between self and the attraction by following the legends of Canaima to reach Vená while unifying the perception of sensory stimulation with the story.
Attraction
Immersive Experience
Multi-sensorial Engagement
Client
Thesis for the degree of MFA Themed Entertainment Design, School of Creative Technology, SCAD
Date
November 2023
Location
Savannah, GA
Stage
Blue Sky & Concept
My Roles
Research
Experience Design
Graphic Design
Software
SketchUp
Lumion
Illustrator
Photoshop
Procreate
Mural
Microsoft Word
DESIGN PROCESS
Research
Conceptualization
Schematic Design
Construction Analysis
Design Development
Post Processing
Click Below for see the complete process and research document
BIG IDEA
In Canaima's heart, a mystical quest awaits daring warriors - to awaken the elusive Vená, the world's highest waterfall, where ancient gods dwelled. This legendary journey calls to curious souls, drawing them into the enchanting unknown.
United by a common quest, modern warriors set forth on an extraordinary expedition, sent by the village's shaman. In groups, they tread the sacred path, exploring the untamed wilderness, experiencing ever-changing landscapes, and forming unbreakable bonds amid sensorial encounters. Each new area reveals the beauty hidden within the rainforest's embrace awakening powerful spiritual guardians along the way.
The warriors' mission: to awaken Vená, restore balance, and allow spirit guardians back into Canaima's heart. Entrusted by the shaman, they unravel Vená's secrets, fortifying destinies with unity and hope, nearing the majestic falls where their fates lie.
Floor Plan
The floor plan, inspired by the journey to Angel Falls in Venezuela, starts at Canaima Airport. The lobby, reflecting the Pemón community's simplicity, is a serene starting point. The pre-show room transforms with projection mapping, featuring a village shaman like real guides. The attraction mimics the Amazon rainforest journey, culminating at Angel Falls, paying tribute to the challenging trek.
GUEST EXPERIENCE
Lobby - El Pueblo
The lobby is a culturally rich and immersive space, inspired by Pemón Villages in Canaima National Park, setting the stage for a transformative experience.
An oval ticket and information desk, mimicking the Orinoco River's waves, is the focal point. A market offers typical Venezuelan foods, replicating Pemón architecture, while a gift shop provides merchandise and artisan objects celebrating Canaima's culture. A discreet entrance leads to an exhibit on the historical significance of the Pemón people.
The attraction loading area, styled as a traditional Pemón house, serves as the starting point for the immersive experience. Awakening Vená accommodates groups of up to 30 people every 15 minutes, progressing through themed rooms like the Amazon Rainforest and the Enchanted Lake, with interactive exploration in the final room, Vená.
2. Pre Show - Cave Euta
Visitors immerse in the cave's ambiance with echoing water droplets. The shaman narrates warrior Auyán's story, turning the cave into a living canvas of cultural heritage.
3. Room 1 - Amazon Rainforest
- Warriors explore a sensory maze, deepening their connection to nature in an exploration room, where they walk through the jungle with the river becoming alive
- Warriors navigate the sensorial maze, encountering hidden creatures, Canaima's scents, and Amazon sounds. They persevere through darkness and ascend to a starlit mountain.
- In darkness, Wima, the forest guardian, thanks warriors to awaken her. The room brightens, and the door opens to continue following the water.
4. Room 2 - Tepuis
- Warriors enter a magical space with tabletop mountain-inspired rocks. The room simulates a night, triggering rain, thunderstorms, fog, and water sprinkles as they interact.
- Colossal serpent Uru emerges, thanks warriors, challenges them to prove their worth in awakening Vená, and guides them to the next challenge as rain subsides.
5. Room 3 - The Enchanted Lake
- Warriors interact with magical water projections in an enchanting lake with color-changing rocks. The room awakens with intensified water sounds.
- As water sounds intensifies, water jets fill the space. The Karons, mermaid-like spirits, emerge in the swirling lake, thanking and encouraging warriors. As the room stills, they signal to follow for the quest to continue.
6. Room 4 - The River
Warriors find an enchanted river, the Karons signal the quest's continuation amid bioluminescent plants. The space is alive with water flow, crickets, and forest fragrances. They reach Vená.
7. Room 5 - VENÁ
Warriors find the Waterfall Vená. The space transforms with colorful lights every 15 minutes, and the Mystical Shaman and joyful Guardians reappear to celebrate Vená's power.
"Awakening Vená" is an ambitious and innovative immersive experience that combines projection mapping and sensors, multisensory engagements, and rich storytelling to transport visitors into the heart of Canaima National Park in Venezuela.
Locations & Opportunities
Awakening Vená is a groundbreaking, global attraction designed for both locals and tourists. It connects dispersed Venezuelan audiences to their heritage, raises awareness about Venezuelan ecosystems, and utilizes cutting-edge technology for an immersive experience. With its dual purpose of reconnecting Venezuelan emigrants and introducing diverse cultures to Venezuela's wonders, it promises to be a coveted attraction, showcasing the country's beauty and cultural richness.
Exterior View