The Shelter VR installation brings the story to life by blending the film’s virtual world with a physical space resembling a real shelter. It’s more than a viewing experience—it’s a place to feel. Groups of up to 10 share an intimate moment, bridging the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them,’ sparking empathy and reflection on the human experience during war.

‍A Real Shelter or a Thoughtful Recreation
To honor the film’s spirit, we present it in two ways: in a real shelter, where safety and vulnerability coexist, or in a thoughtfully designed booth that captures the shelter's essence. Both ensure the story’s impact remains powerful and heartfelt.

Shelter VR is designed to adapt to various venues, bringing its powerful message to diverse locations. Underground spaces like basements, cellars, bunkers, or parking garages naturally enhance the experience, mirroring the atmosphere of a real shelter and fostering a deep connection to the story.

Even without an underground venue, any space can be transformed with thoughtful design to evoke the feeling of a shelter. By recreating the sense of safety and vulnerability, your venue can deliver the same emotional impact, ensuring the story resonates with every visitor. This flexibility allows Shelter VR to inspire audiences in a wide range of settings.

Atmosphere
The space for the Shelter VR installation should reflect the raw and unfinished aesthetic of a real shelter. Concrete walls, exposed pipes, and other industrial features help to create an authentic environment that immerses visitors in the story. This simple, unpolished atmosphere is central to the experience, enhancing the emotional connection to the film.
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Furnishings
The furnishings should be minimal and informal, such as simple chairs, benches, or mattresses arranged in a way that mirrors the casual layouts of real shelters. This arrangement, inspired by real-life references, reinforces the intimate and communal feeling of the space.
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Lighting
Existing / simple lighting can be utilized to maintain the raw feeling, ensuring the focus remains on the shared experience of the film. By embracing these design elements, any venue can be transformed into a space that truly embodies Shelter VR.

VR Equipment
The installation requires 5 to 10 wireless VR headsets, such as Meta Quest 3 or similar devices, which are synchronized to play the film simultaneously for all viewers. This synchronization ensures that every participant shares the experience in real time, fostering a sense of connection and collective immersion. A reliable synchronization system is essential for a seamless start and smooth operation throughout the viewing session.

External Audio
For an even more impactful experience, external audio can be used to complement the visuals in VR. Surround sound enhances the shared auditory experience, making the film feel even more immersive and emotionally resonant. This option transforms the space into a multisensory environment, heightening the overall impact of the installation.
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Connectivity
To support the technical requirements of the installation, the venue should have a stable power supply and sufficient internet connectivity. These are crucial for ensuring the VR headsets and synchronization tools function flawlessly. If internet access is limited, an offline setup can be prepared to maintain the quality of the experience, making it adaptable to various venues.

Arrival and Entry
Visitors are welcomed into the installation through an entrance that immediately sets the tone with its subdued, bunker-like atmosphere. Upon entering, they encounter a live Air Raid Alert Map of Ukraine prominently displayed on a screen in the center of the room. The shifting orange and green colors illustrate the ongoing reality of air raid alerts, reminding viewers that shelters have become a daily necessity for many Ukrainians. This first moment immerses visitors in the context of the film, grounding them in the realities of war.
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Seating and Preparation
‍From this introductory area, visitors are guided further into the bunker or booth. A flashing warning light, reminiscent of an air raid alarm, signals the transition and sets the mood for what lies ahead. Once inside, visitors are seated on simple chairs or mattresses arranged informally to mimic the communal nature of real shelters. VR headsets are distributed and prepared, building anticipation for the shared experience.
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The VR film
The film begins simultaneously for all participants, with wireless VR headsets immersing them in the story. Using headphones or external audio the sound fill the space. The synchronized start and cohesive design ensure that every viewer is connected to those around them because they can hear each other reactions, fostering a collective journey through the narrative.

Reflection.
As the film ends, visitors remain seated for at least two minutes, with the space bathed in calm silence. This intentional pause encourages reflection and invites conversation, challenging participants to engage with each other about what they just shared. When the warning light switches off, visitors are free to exit the installation.

Accessibility
Provide accommodations for individuals with mobility impairments to access the space.

Scalability
The installation can be adapted to fit various room sizes, with flexibility in the number of participants and equipment.