HAVEN

Experiential Design
Project Overview
HAVEN is an experiential design project created in collaboration with queer, Hong-Kong designer, Keighton Li. Employing multidisciplinary methods in branding and customized graphics, spatial design, sound design and music visualization, performance and exhibition, HAVEN delves into how to create safe and accessible spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Evolving from investigative research surrounding the history of queer nightlife, HAVEN explores how to build supportive environments where individuals can express themselves without fear of discrimination, prejudice or harm.
Hardware & Software
TouchDesigner, Ableton, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, Cinema4D, & MadMapper.

BENQ W 1070 Digital Projectors, AKAI APC40 MKII MIDI, opaque canvas screen, French chiffon mesh, stereo speakers with a Bose amplifier, 20' x 30' waterproof tarp.
Psychedelic white shapes overlayed against a video of madonna A pixelated outline of a flower bloomingTrippy colorful grid against a video of beyonce's back up dancers Two pulsating blue jellyfish A moon orbits a rainbow planetA black dancer vogues in the back of a white sound waveA series of cubes zoom in and out against a rainbow blurA colorful tunnel appears to be drawn from a centerpointKylie Minogue dances in slow mo against pulsating neon shapesBlue grids zoom in closely revealing a dancer twirling on the groundA series of daisies blossom in pink before dissipating into dustGeometric shapes in rainbow hues blend and disperse into roundness
GIFs from HAVEN's audio-reactive visual networks
Audio-Visual Design
HAVEN employs 8 distinct audio-reactive visuals in TouchDesigner to investigate queer experiences. Using a custom audio component in TouchDesigner, we mapped the song's mids, lows, highs, kicks, and snares to various visual networks, allowing the visuals to react dynamically to the music. We incorporated parameters like noise, mix modes, chromakey, feedback, UV delay, and more. These parameters were then linked to an AKAI APC40 MKII MIDI board, enabling live control of the effects during performances. The visuals were enhanced by overlaying them with music videos and imagery significant to queer history. Special thanks to DJ and designer Hasan Khalid for his assistance in mixing the setlist using Ableton and Premiere Pro.
A 10 minute preview of HAVEN's audio-visual performance projection
Graphic Design
For HAVEN's graphics, inspiration was pulled from iconic Brooklyn techno event invitations to create a futuristic and grunge feel. Created in Photoshop and Illustrator, the rainbow spiral seeks to represent HAVEN's diverse DNA and identities. On the right side, we included the "house rules," which outline proper guidelines for conduct to maintain the safety of all patrons.
A poster for HAVEN in an industrial feel includes a rainbow helix that resembles a DNA molecule
Final HAVEN event poster
HAVEN's custom vectors and logo slant inward to evoke a feeling of togetherness while incorporating a sleek and geometric design. The logo maintains the integrity of the original safe space logo, first presented by the Gay & Lesbian Explorers in 1989.
HAVEN's custom logo is a circle with the letters in black text and an upside down triangle in the center. On the right is the logo that inspired it, a green circle with a pink triangle in the middle
On Left: HAVEN's custom logo, 2023 // On Right: Original "safe space" logo, 1989
Background: HAVEN shot on film
Multi-Sensory Spatial Design
HAVEN offers a two-part experience with an outdoor dance floor and an indoor relaxation room. Projection mapping using BENQ W 1070 projectors and MadMapper is used in both installations. The outdoor dance floor features live-manipulated, original audio-reactive visuals on an opaque screen, synchronized with the music using a MIDI board. To accommodate inclement weather, a waterproof and transparent tarp was installed, providing shelter, preserving hardware, and enhancing the atmosphere with refracted lighting.
Set up for HAVEN happens on an outdoor terrace. Three figures are visible under the sloping tarp, with a screen in the centerAn audience member video tapes the life performance on his phone amidst the crowd
A HAVEN participant captures a moment from the performance on the tented outdoor terrace
Outdoor installation set-up of tarp, screen, and lighting design
Through in-person interviews and small-scale event iterations, research identified key elements for creating a safe space in queer nightlife. These included a quiet retreat, seating availability, and an ambiance that feels like an escape. As a result, an indoor area was designed featuring an audio-reactive animation of pulsating clouds projected onto a chiffon mesh. Additionally, the outdoor installation incorporates a pre-show playlist based on song requests from the audience.
Blue pulsating clouds on a screen are observed by a black fluffy dog
HAVEN mascot, MoMo, observes the pulsating clouds on chiffon mesh
In order to create a more immersive experience, HAVEN incorporates multiple sensorial elements in addition to sound and visuals. Guests could choose from an array of beverages, notably a custom elderflower and fruit cocktail that aligned with a mandatory floral dress code. The room was aromatized with a signature scent composed of various floral notes to add to the overall ambiance.
A generous pour of gin gets added to a punch bowl filled with lemons, strawberries and oranges
A generous pour of gin gets added to the elderflower gin-fizz cocktail
Trailer
After several iterations and protoyping of smaller scale events, the first full-scale HAVEN was held on April 29th, 2023. Special thanks to Cecilia Hua for documentation.
Pop Up Show
We performed HAVEN's full set at Parson's MFA Design and Technology Showcase, Entropy.