Chesslandia

Chesslandia

The scope of this project was to design and conceptualize the rough concepts for Chess at Three at the NYC Brookfield Place Mall through sketching, research, and AI.

PROJECT

ROLE

My role in this commission was to create finalized concept drawings to be used by the in-house production and design team.

chess2_photos_v2_x2.jpg
chess3_photos_v2_x2.jpg
chess4_photos_v2_x2.jpg

EXPERIENCE AND FLOW

LOCATION
1309 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128

AREAS OF

ACTIVATION

    • Visual and physical partition between spaces.

    • Set world building tone.

    • Group prep for main room.

    • Space for bulk learning and gathered storytelling.

CORE NARRATIVE

The core narrative used by Chess at Three is an immersive storytelling/learning hybrid used to teach children the game of chess through fantastical storytelling. Using a pre-written framework, they are able to publish books expanding their fictional world while using a brick and mortar location to bring that story to life.

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPO

Inspired by classic childhood fairytales we wanted to opt for a styling that was in keeping with the narrative from the books as well as incorporating some soft medieval imagery.

Renders done with Mid Journey AI. Made by Maria Moyano

ARCHITECTURAL TRANSLATION

SIMPLIFICATION AND COST

Architectural modeling done by Maria Moyano

The pacing of the space hinged on the pre-existing architectural layout. Partitioning off 3 to 4 separate rooms allows guests to have vignettes in the story line as they proceed through the activities.

Using the magical pillow portal motif from the childrens books, we were able to conceptualize a feasible build-out that utilized vinyls, LCD screens, and low cost custom build-outs.

ENTRY

CHECK IN

GOALS AND INSPO

The entry check-in acts as the first touchpoint in the chess narrative. Setting the tone through wall vinyls and three-dimensional build outs, the check-in serves as a visual introduction to this new world.

LOADING ZONE

GOALS AND INSPO

The loading zone was designed for the check in, giving space and time for the groups to be separated, prepped, and then pulsed into the next room in keeping with the story.

CORE

ACTIVITY ROOM

GOALS AND INSPO

The final activity room serves as the crux of the story arc, delivering children into a surreal castle classroom for them to learn and engage in free play.

PROJECT LEAD
Maria Moyano

INSTALLATION DESIGNER
Selena Norman

PRODUCERS
Maria Moyano

COMMISSIONED BY
Chess at Three LLC