Social Maze

I articulated the spatial possibilities in lieu of the epidemic restrictions in the pandemic architecture studio in summer 2020. People reiterated the phrase “social distancing” countless times, urged everyone to wear a mask, and halted in-person socialization. Over the period, people's emotions changed from anxiety initially to relief upon grasping the understanding of the virus gradually. I intended to record the progression of emotions with architecture as a memory. Instead of a memorial entity, I created a social maze that guides visitors to meet with others, with a single pathway and a proper social distance. The ambition was to generate a strong desire for socialization with others when traveling in the maze. With a series of openings in the wall with varied sizes, thicknesses, and heights, people could feel others but could not communicate with each other. The symmetric form and the labeling of pillars allow the guests to accumulate their consciousness as they grope in the maze on the path corresponding to the outbreak. Beginning with the fear of the virus, a sense of security grows as more information was gained and finally work their way out of trouble. Differentiating from conventional commemorative spaces, it is an attempt to translate the emotion of the epidemic into a recreational space so that more people can come in and experience a spiritual journey from restlessness to relaxation.