ANIMATED SHORT

Introducing "The Next Stop Is" – a virtual film project that envisions the reconstruction of the Cheung Sha Wan region. With this project, we'll be exploring the possibilities of what it would be like to live in an ever changing city, to no longer have set points of space and time. Our pipeline combines 3D data flow from machine learning and computer graphics modelling interfaces to create a captivating visual experience for our audience. Join us as we explore the future of cinema.

Reconstructing Chueng Sha Wan

VOLUMETRIC CINEMA

“Volumetric filmmaking combines the artistry of cinema with the interactivity of gaming, and uncovers visuals beyond the limits of traditional media.”

Cheung Sha Wan is administrative district of Sham Shui Po, which has always been considered the poorest district in Hong Kong. The high cost of living and dense population often leave people with no choice but to sacrifice their living space. The result -- subdivided flats -- can be found all over Hong Kong, especially in the old residential buildings of Sham Shui Po. Many of Hong Kong's underprivileged (especially the elderly) are living in this district under undesirable conditions as they await public housing.

In recent years, the Sham Shui Po area is is undergoing reconstruction. Old factories and housing estates are gradually taken down to make space for new projects. The new plan aims to enhance the development potential of the area and improve the overall living conditions of the resident. The projects will also

contribute to increasing housing supply and community facilities, improving walkability, and enhancing accessibility and connectivity of the district.

Site Visit:
We spent two Saturdays in the districts of Sham Shui Po in attempt to get a glimpse of the community. We observed interactions between the small businesses and their customers, between the neighbours walking pass each other... and attempted to collect information through all possible forms.

After hearing the stories of the residents, and how they think of the current reconstruction, we wondered

how people’s lives will be impacted when their living space changes. How will they navigate the change?

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC): construction whereby free-standing modules are manufactured separately and transported for installation in a building (think lego of rooms!)

Our everyday life is usually set between fixed points in space (mostly work and home), and realized through a fixed path between them. Each day, we cycle through the same tasks, the same routine, the same bus stops, the same rooms... at the same time.

When we think of space, It's static and constant. But what if cities become fluid and dynamic?

After listening to the lecture on sustainable habitats and the future of urban design, we were particularly interested by the concept of Modular Integrated Construction. The ability to move individual modules (rooms, facilities, and more) grants much freedom to an individual, and one will no longer be confined in a set space like those "cage buildings" of Cheung Sha Wan.

However, how will that new reality feel like? What will it be like to live in an ever changing city, to no longer have set points of space and time?

URBAN FUTURES

Buildings used to be static and constant, but what if cities become fluid and dynamic?

PIPELINE

Our working pipeline ensures a smooth 3D data flow from machine learning (ML) to Computer Graphics (CG) modelling interfaces.

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Buildings of Chueng Sha Wan

Lidar Scans and 3D models of the old city

Reconstruction & Scene Composition

Creating The City

Scanning the streets and buildings of Chueng Sha Wan (SiteScape: point cloud)
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Creating 3D models in Blender, with help of online resources (government public models, google earth) |

Using Rhino and Grasshopper to auto generate cities in circular patterns
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Animating rotation in Unreal Engine 5