Mortise and Tenon

My Role

3D Scenario Design
Interaction Design
VR Program Development

Team Size

2 People

Timeline

March 2024 - June 2024

Overview

This work is a spatial interactive VR experience based on mortise and tenon structure. Based on the structural characteristics of mortise and tenon, we explored the design methodology of digital display of intangible cultural heritage from the perspective of space replacement, in terms of volume replacement, scale equalization replacement, and environmental vision replacement.

By utilizing the advantages of VR to create a three-dimensional space, we created a virtual space that highlights the mortise and tenon structure, in which users can walk naturally and interact with each other physically, to deeply perceive the basic structure of the mortise and tenon, the ancient application scenarios and the modern development trend, and to have a deeper understanding of the cultural characteristics and spiritual connotations of the intangible cultural heritage.

System Concept

By refining and integrating the characteristics of the three-dimensional structure, volume differences, and complex structures of mortise and tenon joints, we approached the design from the perspective of spatial structure. Leveraging the advantages of creating three-dimensional virtual spaces in VR, we explored the design of spatial structure and interactive narrative through vertical expansion, spacial replacement, and structural perception. Users can fully experience the basic structure of mortise and tenon joints, their historical applications, and modern explorations in the three floors of the virtual space.

Space Structure

The whole experience requires a 4m*4m space, which can accommodate one person at a time. The whole interactive scene is designed in a mortise-and-tenon architecture, utilizing a hierarchical structure vertically to allow the user to have a broader virtual experience in a limited physical space. Experiencers walk naturally in the physical two-dimensional plane, and their position will be mapped to the virtual three-dimensional space. By expanding the scene design vertically, the user can realize the layers and structure of mortise and tenon without cutting the scene.

First Floor - Volume Replacement

We have externalized and enlarged thetiny mortise and tenon structure, and theexperiencer will walk through the hugelabyrinth of mortise and tenon, feelingthe subtlety of mortise and tenonconstructionin the process of assemblingand disassembling

FIRST FLOOR

Second Floor-Scale Equalization Replacement

We altered the sense of scale of the
original space by miniaturizing spaces of
different sizes to the same size.Experiencers are able to look down on thetiny spaces that have been equalized andobserve the scene composed of mortiseand tenon applications.

SECOND FLOOR

Third Floor-EnvironmentalWisual Replacement

The components are connected by mortiseand tenon joints with modern materials, andStable Diffusion is used to generate real-timemaps to change the materials of some of thestructures, and the entire visualization of theenvironment will change accordingly to theuser's actions and choices

THIRD FLOOR

VR Interaction Flow

The entire experience lasts about 10 minutes. Through interactions on the three floors, participants will embark on a journey of exploration from tradition to modernity.
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Each floor has a distinct style, and through the ever-changing virtual environment and interactive experiences, the structural characteristics and historical depth of mortise and tenon joints are showcased. This allows participants to gain new perspectives and sensory experiences at each stage.

Prologue -Showcasing mortise and tenon applications through ancient scrolls

The prologue showcases the applications of mortise and tenon joints throughancient scrolls. Participants will witness a wooden kite flying into the Mortise andTenon Pavilion and, by extracting components of the Luban lock, enter the worldof mortise and tenon joints.

First Floor - Mortise and Tenon Structure Floor

The first floor is a mortise and tenon maze where participants need to
experience and manipulate various basic mortise and tenon components to find
the path forward.

Second Floor-Mortise and Tenon Artifacts Floor

The second floor showcases three types of mortise and tenon applications:architecture, furniture, and everyday utensils. Through interaction, participantswill learn the different applications of mortise and tenon joints in ancient life.

Third Floor - Mortise and Tenon space Floor

The third floor is a space formed by enlarged interlocking Luban lock blocks. The
scene incorporates Al, allowing participants to freely create a mortise and tenon
visualwith modern development trends.