A Living Entity

Interactive Installation
Team School Project

An interactive installation reimagining Stratford’s Avon River through sustainability

In my fourth-year GBDA 412 course, the final project was to design an interactive installation that creates a meaningful impact by blending sustainability with storytelling and relates to the city of Stratford, as well as the Lights on Stratford Festival. After brainstorming and ideation, our group developed a user-friendly installation dedicated to reimagining Stratford’s Avon River and promoting environmental awareness.

Roles

Media Creation

Timeline

4 Months

Sept-Dec

2024

Achivements

Placed in the top 3 of our entire cohort. The top 3 projects chosen were to be presented on campus.
Presented at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business and during the Lights on Stratford Festival, showcasing our work to peers, professors, and the people of Stratford.
Featured in an article on StratfordToday, highlighting our impactful contributions.

Tools

Figma Powerpoint

Processing

Team of 9

Media Creation

Project Management

Communications & Marketing

Technical Implementation

Article Here

Project Overview

A full walkthrough of A Living Entity, covering the concept, design process, interactive features, and how our installation was brought to life for Lights On Stratford.

My Contributions

As part of the media creation team, I contributed to two key areas of the project:

Website Design & Development

Co-designed and developed the website used to present our installation
Integrated interactive features like social media links and a contact form to enhance user engagement
Worked closely with the team to ensure the site aligned with our visual storytelling goals

Concept Artwork for the Installation

Created hand-drawn, minimalist illustrations reflecting the Avon River’s story and environment
Helped define the project's visual tone with doodle-style graphics
Collaborated with the technical team to integrate these drawings into the final installation experience

Problem

Many people don’t recognize the importance of preserving natural ecosystems like rivers, which play a vital role in the environment and local culture. How can we help inspire communities like Stratford to reconnect with and protect their natural surroundings?

Solution

A Living Entity is an interactive installation that reimagines Stratford’s Avon River as a living, dynamic presence. The installation creates a deeper connection to the river through storytelling, multimedia engagement, and design, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Why Our Initiative Matters

Raises environmental awareness by highlighting the ecological importance of Stratford’s Avon River

Fosters an emotional connection by reimagining the river as a living, dynamic entity

Inspires sustainability and encourages communities to take action toward environmental stewardship

Conclusion

A Living Entity demonstrates the power of storytelling and interactive design to inspire meaningful change by reimagining Stratford’s Avon River as a living symbol of sustainability. The project highlights the importance of protecting natural ecosystems while providing a blueprint for fostering environmental awareness in communities. Its success, being a top 3 finalist, showcased on campus, and featured in local media, illustrates the potential of creative initiatives to make a real-world impact. More than just an installation, A Living Entity is a powerful reminder that preserving our environment begins with understanding and connection.