This is a two part exploration of an Essence Exhibition, where the intent was to explore the essence of an assigned topic and design it as an interactive experience.

The first topic was “Finnish Forest,” and assigned to design within a ten by ten meter box. The inspiration stemmed from the most prominent trees in the Finland region, by displaying them front and center and emerging from the rooftop. The interior of the “box” resembles the interior of a tree trunk, by heightening the senses of smell, touch, and sight as a visitor enters the exhibition. The LED lighting mimicks the carved out nature of the interior, and resembles ice melting away from the trees as nature shifts from winter to spring. Visitors can experience this by looking above, or as they climb the stairs that enclose the display as they make their way to the rooftop. From the rooftop, one can see the trees peeking out from below, and enjoy the surrounding outdoor views.

The second topic was Eliel Saarinen’s “Chicago Tribune Tower,” within a five by five meter box. The intent of this exhibition was to present it to the public as an experience that could exist if it was the winning design and was actually built. Displayed in the center of the room is a model of Saarinen’s design, that towers over visitors as they walk around it. The surrounding walls display vintage photographs from the Chicago Tribune, which I have altered and replaced the exisiting tower with Saarinen’s project. Visitors are immersed in a classic experience of what Chicago would be like if Eliel Saarinen’s design would have been constructed.