Design Exhibition Being & Belonging: Exploring Identity and Community Connections through Conversations with Trees
Design Exhibition Being & Belonging: Exploring Identity and Community Connections through Conversations with Trees
This event draws inspiration from two initiatives: “Conversation with Trees” facilitated by Chan and Gajić from The Ohio State University, and “Being & Belonging: A Book About Generative Capacity” by Dandavate from SonicRim.
- INSTALLATION: “Conversation with Trees”—Design students created “A Biophilic Dialogue Between Nature and Design”, capturing emotional, social, political, and ecological aspects of their chosen trees, presented in 14-page accordion books. These books were exhibited during the 2024 Arbor Day Celebration on campus, promoting environmental responsibility and appreciation.
- INTERACTION: Viewers can access an Augmented Reality experience to interact with Trees of the Oval (campus renowned green space). Digital leaves will float around viewers, enhancing the essence of “place” and fostering inclusivity and connections.
- WORKSHOP: Aims to generate thought-provoking insights and inspire community conversations, engaging people in discussions about nature’s principles of harmony and coexistence, promoting belonging and interconnectedness.
About the Host
Peter Kwok Chan, Associate Professor, Department of Design, The Ohio State University | Uday Dandavate, Co-founder and CEO, SonicRim | Mila Gajić , 3D/AR Designer, Emerging Technology Studio, The Ohio State University
Peter Kwok Chan, PhD, Associate Professor of Design at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on Branding, and concerns the methods that students learn to explore, interpret, and apply emotion-driven design.
Uday Dandavate, co-founder/CEO of SonicRim, a champion of co-creation and design activist. His curiosity for people, cultures, and change has drawn him to fields as diverse as anthropology, psychology, communication, sociology, marketing, politics, and design.
Mila Gajić, 3D/AR designer, VR Lab Manager/Developer at The Ohio State University’s Emerging Technology Studio. Her research focuses on fusing art/technology through creating mixed reality environments that deliver meaningful experiences.
