Arcadia /a: ‘kei.di.e/
An image or idea of life in a place believed to be perfect
I was inspired by the narratives of invisible cities, how these cities are described beyond imaginations. And I thought, what about my imagination of my city? As a child, i have always dreamt of my own room and the things that i would put inside and how it would look like but till today, i still share a room with my sister. This project was like an outlet for my creative imagination and a place i let them come true.
The Story of Arcadia
The travelers see not one city but many of equal size and not unlike one another. He, who step foot into Arcadia would never be worried about boredom for Arcadia will allow him to spend his life renewed move to move. In the city of Arcadia, a network of canals and a network of street span and intersect with each other. The ways that open to each passerby are never two, but many. /
/ Without any repetition, the network of routes is not arranged on one level but follows instead an up and down course of steps, landings, bridges and hanging streets.This city is a society that is built on harmony and things are ever-changing, there is not a day that is like any other. There are similarities, but never the same thing twice. The people all work an equal amount and everything they need for survival is provided. Houses, clothes, food, essentials are provided for every family. If you are sick and cannot work, there is no such thing as a limited number of medical leaves that can be taken or no-pay leave. People in this society are selfless and everyone helps and supports each other. For society to progress, everyone must work together, hand in hand. They are allowed to choose hobbies and jobs based on what brings them the most pleasure and their interest is at heart in this community.
Education is provided by society. An individual can progress their quest to seek knowledge at any level for free and no one is forced to seek education. With happiness and contentment, this city functions in a way similar to a modern kampong living style. The doors are never shut or closed off to anyone, it is always open. /
/On the flip side, however, there are people in society with a more dominant personality. They never felt they quite fit into Arcadia, they can’t seem to find their place in society. They wanted to assert some sort of authority into the community. Lead them and ‘rule’ them. But, this is not how Arcadia works, the idea of the hierarchy system spoilt how Arcadia functioned and thus they turned one side of Arcadia into complete darkness. There were rebellion and violence - no food or daily essentials were provided. People had to fight to survive, it was themselves and no one else. Everyone is selfish.
As for life is like a cosmic duality. Perfection can only exist with darkness. For darkness reminds us of those we choose to not become and to strive for perfection. And in perfection, Arcadia exists.
Arcadia is connected in a structured manner where each pannels which represents the building of Arcadia intersects and interconnects one another. Each panels are never the same, different in colour, size and orientation. However, this is what makes Arcadia, never the same thing twice but comes together to form one.
On the hand, the dark side of Arcadia, disorganised with no structure and destoryed. Which explains the usage of broken wood pieced together. The raw form of wood and the hollow center which depicts the emptiness and coldness of the sinners.
Process archives
Under the guidance of Kelley Cheng
Thank you for viewing!
