The Moss.

date. 2021

Protecting local neighborhoods and their atmosphere can sometimes be a difficult task. The Moss addresses such a problem in a Shanghai heritage lane through a non-intrusive video mapping projection that aims to elevate the so-called genius loci of the place. Inspired by the lane’s rich history of French influence and its connection with greenery and water bodies, the real-time projection of growing moss brings a breath of nature to the red brick interior, creating a non-disruptive yet refreshing experience as a contrast to the everyday happenings. This year-round projection respecting the natural life cycle and symbioses of moss is timeless, organic, and refreshing.

Skills used: 3D modeling & animation in Maya, Photoshop, video editing in After Effects and DaVinci Resolve

Course: Visual Effects in the Age of Virtual Production

Production length: 3 weeks

You can find the full course documentation here

Historical & Cultural Background.

Located in Shanghai's French Concession, Shen Cheng Li is a neighborhood steeped in history and cultural significance. This area, a former foreign concession from 1849 to 1946, preserves a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles in its Shikumen (石库门) lineage. This historical context, along with Shen Cheng Li's role as a shelter for early CCP resistance movement members, contributes to its rich cultural tapestry. The neighborhood today, with its 15 houses and 505 residents, is a living symbol of Shanghai's layered history, and there is a strong community drive to protect and honor this legacy.

Exploring Shen Cheng Li.

The initiation of 'The Moss' project was marked by an invitation from Tongji University to develop a project aimed at enhancing the Shen Cheng Li neighborhood. This invitation was a component of our 'VFX in the Age of Virtual Production' course, specifically targeting the creation of an art installation to enrich urban spaces. During our field trip to Shen Cheng Li, we immersed ourselves in the neighborhood's atmosphere, guided by Professor Wang Xi. This direct engagement with the area's unique blend of history and community life was crucial. It provided us with valuable insights into the local heritage and the everyday experiences of its residents. This neighborhood, unlike more commercialized historical areas, has retained its original spirit and is home to a community proud of its heritage.

Concept and Inspiration.

'The Moss' emerged from a desire to contribute to the cultural vibrancy and historical preservation of Shen Cheng Li. During my visit, the stark contrast between the area's rich cultural background and the scarcity of greenery struck me. This observation, combined with my understanding of the historical value of green spaces and bodies of water in France as symbols of prosperity and mental well-being, inspired me to introduce elements of nature into Shen Cheng Li. My vision was to create a video mapping projection that would enrich the neighborhood's atmosphere in a harmonious and unobtrusive manner, enhancing the residents' well-being while respecting the daily rhythm of the community.

Concept Ideas.

Addressing the unique constraints of Shen Cheng Li, such as its narrow alleys and the requirement to limit projections to daylight hours to avoid disturbing residents, I developed three video mapping concepts:

The Moss: Integrating a natural element into the urban landscape, this concept involved projecting images of moss on walls. This idea aimed to create a visually refreshing effect that symbolized resilience, with the gradual change in the imagery keeping it engaging over time without overwhelming the environment.
Bodies of Water: Drawing inspiration from moments of local relaxation, this concept sought to bring a serene atmosphere to the neighborhood. It envisioned projections of gentle water scenes, like calm ponds or slow-moving streams, to provide visual relief and tranquility.
Shadows Around Us: Focused on capturing the essence of daily life in Shen Cheng Li, this concept aimed to project the shadows of the day's activities in the evening, creating a visual memory lane that reflected the community's rhythm and the subtle imprints of the day's moments.

Implementing the Moss.

Given the constraints of my course, my efforts were concentrated on partially realizing 'The Moss.' This involved a journey into technical experimentation, utilizing Blender for the animation aspects and After Effects for composition. My objective was to craft a one-minute video that encapsulated a year in the life of a moss-covered wall, a concept in harmony with the rhythm of Shen Cheng Li. This video served as a prototype, offering a glimpse into how the project might evolve and adapt in real time, almost as if it were alive. To achieve real-time editing and computing that accurately reflects the changing seasons and weather patterns of the neighborhood, more advanced tools than those currently at my disposal would be required.

Personal Reflection.

The process of developing 'The Moss' was as much about understanding the needs and spirit of Shen Cheng Li as it was about exploring the intersection of technology and nature. My approach was guided by a respect for the community’s daily life and a desire to subtly enhance their environment. This project wasn't just about adding a visual element to the neighborhood; it was about creating something that could coexist with and complement the historical and cultural significance of Shen Cheng Li.

In 'The Moss,' I saw an opportunity to introduce a piece of nature's tranquility into an urban setting, a concept inspired by my experiences abroad and adapted to the unique context of Shen Cheng Li. While only a part of the project came to fruition, it stands as a testament to my commitment to thoughtful, context-sensitive art that respects and enriches the communities it serves.