The Reflection Room: An Immersive Installation by Beck Storer and Paul Meeuwsen

Exploring Chinese New Year Sentiments through Innovative Design and Architecture

The Reflection Room is a unique installation that stands out due to its distinctive properties. The room is entirely made from red mirror perspex, creating an infinite space that appears to extend endlessly. Visitors stepping inside are greeted with an endless vision of red shadows and lights, a galaxy-like illusion. Subtle messages of happiness, longevity, and prosperity, crafted in gold foil, emerge from the walls, prompting visitors to reflect on their future.

The design realization of The Reflection Room involved meticulous planning and execution. The room, measuring 2.4 meters by 2.4 meters, was constructed entirely from red mirror perspex, both internally and externally. To create the desired ambiance, LED tube lights were installed internally, and gold foil lettering was used throughout the space.

Storer and Meeuwsen's design encourages interaction with the public. The Reflection Room is not just a passive installation but a space where visitors can document their experience with their smartphones. The designers created the hashtag #thereflectionroom to encourage the public to share their reflections on the Chinese New Year.

The Reflection Room was open to the public at the Emporium Melbourne from January 26th to February 5th, 2017. The design process involved extensive research, including interviews with people in Melbourne's China Town district, to ensure a thorough understanding of the symbolism of Chinese New Year. Despite the challenge of creating a fully clad mirror room in under 12 hours, the designers successfully brought their vision to life.

Storer and Meeuwsen's innovative design has been recognized with a Silver A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2017. The award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, technical excellence, and artistic skill. The Reflection Room, with its unique design and immersive experience, certainly fits this description.