I began working on Immersive Environments during the summer of 2016. This work is the focus of my MFA thesis and revolves around using virtual reality to translate site-specific locations within Baton Rouge to bring more awareness to the residual segregation and racism that still happens today.
I utilize modern technology such as VR headsets and 360-degree GoPro cameras to create an immersive experience using Unity3D. The starting location I translate into a virtual experience is Expressway Park in Baton Rouge which serves as the main location for the thesis. Expressway Park is located underneath the I-10 interstate that was constructed through Old South Baton Rouge which displaced several minority families while also driving this neighborhood lower economically. Interstates and major roadways being constructed through minority neighborhoods happens all over the U.S. and is a huge factor to what keeps most cities segregated.
I've also included the locations of the controversial shooting of Alton Sterling as well as the protests that occurred as a result. My goal is to allow the viewer to interact and view a space they may never have found themselves in before and to realize that this is still very much a part of Baton Rouge and there is a segregation problem.
