In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people overlook the relationships that surround them—betweenpeople, and the city. We move like machines, constantly working, day and night, rarely pausing to notice the world around us. And due to the busy work in daily life people are exhausted from communicating with each other.
What if we could slow down—just for a moment—and notice the little things throughout everyday?
I started by exploring ways to bring more awareness and small moments of joy into our everyday environment, as well as discovering playful new ways for people to engage with one another. During this exploration, I came across shadowgraphy—an art form that uses shadows to tell stories without words. It resonated with me deeply, as it connects with many people through shared childhood memories. To begin, I experimented with different materials and models to explore the possibilities of incorporating body movement in playful ways to create shadows.
“Urban Village”
Baishi Village in Shenzhen, China.
It is a place I lived near, and I’ve witnessed the busyness of the area firsthand. Life there is crowded and fast-paced, with people navigating tight living spaces and hectic routines. These villages are home to both longtime residents and younger generations who move in for the affordable rent, creating a unique blend of old and new lifestyles within the city.
Project Statement
Through this project, I hope to guide people — almost like a treasure map — to rediscover moments of joy around them, and reconnect with the city and each other through light and shadow.
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Turning Echos_Public Park
When people get off work, they usually pass through this place. During the daytime, many elderly people and children gather here to exercise and play.
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12:00 pm
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By rotating the panels on the installation, people can create moving shadows and discover playful patterns inspired by the tile designs of traditional architecture in the community as they spin and move around.
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At night, when the sun is no longer out, the installation functions as a streetlight, continuing to illuminate the space.
Shadow Compass _ Main Street
As people move deeper into the village, they reach the main street—a busy area filled with signs and directions.
However, unlike traditional signs, this installation uses shadows to guide people.
At certain times of the day, sunlight casts patterns on the ground, revealing directional shadows—like a hidden compass made of light.
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12:00 pm
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02:00 pm
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When people walk beneath the street sign, they’ll notice directions revealed through its shadows. The pattern is based on a top-down view of the urban village, with visible building numbers included to assist with navigation. The triangular shape is intentionally designed to emphasize direction, acting as a visual pointer within the space.
When night falls and the shadow disappears, the installation transforms—like the first site—into a glowing landmark that lights up the street.
Whispersing Shade _ Market
In the morning and afternoon, this area is at its busiest. In the early hours, vendors bring fresh produce and set up along the streets.
Here, the installation captures the playful movement of light and wind.
As breezes pass through the structure, shadows shift and dance—creating quiet, whisper-like interactions between people and the environment.
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12:00 pm
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02:00 pm
The pattern is also inspired by traditional architectural motifs. It takes the form of a flower, symbolizing reunion and well-being within the community.
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Conclusion
Shadow Dialogue
Each installation in Shadow Dialogue begins with shadow—inviting playful, mindful engagement with the city during the day—and then transforms into gentle street lighting at night, continuing to care for the space even in darkness. Through this series, I hope people will rediscover joy, connection, and a slower rhythm within their everyday surroundings.
Parsons School of Design
Product Design, Class of 2025
Fangwei Zhou
Professor: Ari Elefterin
