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the
mould
of
surveillance
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the mould
of surveillance
of
surveillance
A worldbuilding project centered on developing fictional worlds shaped by interconnected systems, environments, and narratives.
Year
2026
For:
Thesis Project
Animation, Physical Artifact, Material Exploration, Installation
Project Type:
This diorama is set on the fictional island of Volkos, a 32 sq. km island with a population density of 45,000. It depicts a vertical slum governed by a totalitarian regime known as the Order of the New Horizon (ONH), which exerts control over the personal, political, social, and economic aspects of everyday life.
Each exposed section of the model presents a different narrative, revealing how individuals respond to and survive within such a rigid power structure. Spaces such as surveillance rooms, workers’ quarters, and ration centres reflect the harsh living conditions imposed upon the island’s residents. The weathered exteriors, marked by mould, decay, and deterioration, emphasise the isolation of these communities and the government’s neglect toward the lower sections of society.
While the world and its systems are fictional, the project also acts as a point of reflection,questioning the extent to which traces of such constructed realities may already exist within our own.
A worldbuilding project centered on developing fictional worlds shaped by interconnected systems, environments, and narratives.
Year
2026
For:
Thesis Project
Animation, Physical Artifact, Material Exploration, Installation
Project Type:
This diorama is set on the fictional island of Volkos, a 32 sq. km island with a population density of 45,000. It depicts a vertical slum governed by a totalitarian regime known as the Order of the New Horizon (ONH), which exerts control over the personal, political, social, and economic aspects of everyday life.
Each exposed section of the model presents a different narrative, revealing how individuals respond to and survive within such a rigid power structure. Spaces such as surveillance rooms, workers’ quarters, and ration centres reflect the harsh living conditions imposed upon the island’s residents. The weathered exteriors, marked by mould, decay, and deterioration, emphasise the isolation of these communities and the government’s neglect toward the lower sections of society.
While the world and its systems are fictional, the project also acts as a point of reflection,questioning the extent to which traces of such constructed realities may already exist within our own.
Interior Narratives
The model has 6 cross sections or interiors, each consists of a narrative that fits into the larger themes of surveillance, control and opression.
Interior #1
Older Residents Home
This interior is of an older resident's home, who was part of the first few waves of immigration to Volkos. The house is tall but compact, suggesting the space near it has been encroached upon by other homes. The interior is minimal, with lack of furniture and belonging, suggesting the lack of freedom in consumption and choosing imdividuality.
Interior #1
Older Residents Home
This interior is of an older resident's home, who was part of the first few waves of immigration to Volkos. The house is tall but compact, suggesting the space near it has been encroached upon by other homes. The interior is minimal, with lack of furniture and belonging, suggesting the lack of freedom in consumption and choosing imdividuality.
Interior #2
Surveillance Room
The surveillance room is designed to show state intervention into a resident's life. The surveillance room is stacked with computers, documents and different screens to symbolise how one is never out of the eyes of the system. Surveillance leads to constant control, even in private moments.
Interior #2
Surveillance Room
The surveillance room is designed to show state intervention into a resident's life. The surveillance room is stacked with computers, documents and different screens to symbolise how one is never out of the eyes of the system. Surveillance leads to constant control, even in private moments.
Interior #3
Workers Quarter
Inspired by the cage homes in Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong, this room shows the workers' quarters. Each individual is assigned one 'cell', where they sleep and their entire livelihood resides. Each room has multiple such cells, making it a cramped and less dignified way to live.
Interior #3
Workers Quarter
Inspired by the cage homes in Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong, this room shows the workers' quarters. Each individual is assigned one 'cell', where they sleep and their entire livelihood resides. Each room has multiple such cells, making it a cramped and less dignified way to live.
Interior #4
Rebels Room
What happens when you choose to speak out against a totalitarian regime? This room explores a rebel's room, who is ultimately killed for speaking out against the government through public hanging and torture. Traces of spyware and research can be seen inside the room, indicating that a possible resistance was squashed by the government.
Interior #4
Rebels Room
What happens when you choose to speak out against a totalitarian regime? This room explores a rebel's room, who is ultimately killed for speaking out against the government through public hanging and torture. Traces of spyware and research can be seen inside the room, indicating that a possible resistance was squashed by the government.
What justifies
totalitarianism?
The back of the model is flat, where a projected video is shown. It is a mock propaganda video where the ONH government justifies control and policing as protection rather than oppression.