Ylälaude Project
Project Description
The Ylälaude project stands as a testament to VCC’s
commitment to harnessing virtual spaces for societal well-being. This
innovative series transcends conventional media by providing a virtual reality
(VR) sanctuary for young males in Finland to discuss mental health and personal
challenges. Utilizing the cultural emblem of the Finnish sauna, specifically
the Ylälaude or 'upper bench', the project offers a comforting and
non-judgmental environment within the Metaverse for open emotional expression. The
goal is to create a Production series in VRChat that emulates a reality TV show
format, where guests can partake in heartfelt dialogues, bond over shared
experiences, and support one another, thus fostering community healing and
well-being through state-of-the-art virtual interactions.
Innovation:
Ylälaude’s groundbreaking approach includes the
development of a sophisticated system to operate virtual cameras within VRChat,
tied to physical world objects through advanced tracking technology. This
integration offers directors and producers unparalleled control and precision
when capturing the virtual show, enriching the viewer’s experience
Integrated Production Pipeline and Tools Explored
• Virtual Environments: A meticulously crafted sauna space, imbued with Finnish cultural significance, forms the central hub for interactions.
• Character Design: Custom avatars have been developed to resonate with and represent the diverse identities of the participants.
• Camera Tracking System: The project is pioneering the use of real-world object tracking to manipulate camera angles and movements within VRChat, offering a dynamic and cinematic experience to the audience.
• Platforms and Software: The project leverages the social VR platform VRChat, employs Blender for 3D modeling and environment creation, and undergoes rigorous testing on Meta Quest VR devices to ensure an immersive and flawless execution.