VR Installation | Carnegie Mellon University 2017
I have always been driven towards using technology for social good. With VR often positioned as an empathy machine, I decided to put that idea into practice.
With the recent refugee crisis, access to safe and contemplative spaces for refugees has become a significant concern. At the same time, global efforts to preserve historical and cultural sites were underway. This project emerged from the desire to contribute meaningfully — by creating a virtual prayer room for refugees.
During the first half of the project, I studied Islamic patterns and design traditions. I began by creating a room in Unity, with Islamic geometric patterns reflected across the walls.
Using extensive lighting techniques, I projected these patterns throughout the space, transforming the room into a meditative environment. The work of several artists — especially Anila Quayyum Agha — was a significant influence during this phase.
When experienced through a VR headset, visitors could freely walk around the room, allowing the space to be encountered slowly and contemplatively.
I wanted the room to feel more homely and interactive. While researching locally, I discovered a Syrian prayer room in Pittsburgh dating back to the 1700s, which had been physically recreated by the University of Pittsburgh.
With their permission, I accessed the space and virtually recreated it using photogrammetry techniques, capturing both its material detail and atmosphere.
In the virtual room, users can sit, listen, and reflect — surrounded by prayers and poetry.
In the accompanying video, the poem “Daag-Daag Ujala”, written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and narrated by Naseeruddin Shah, plays within the space.
Note: I do not own the audio in any form.