Close-up shot of the EmotiCube pavilion

At the heart of EmotiCube are two gracefully curved walls, each crafted from cubes that can be turned by hand. These cubes, each bearing a happy face in bright pink or a sad face in soft white, serve as a unique way for people to express themselves. The remaining facets, coated in a reflective sheen, invite the visitors to see themselves within the art, thus dissolving the boundaries between observing and being part of the art. What stands out is the pavilion’s ability to change and evolve. It acts as a living mural that captures the emotional pulse of the community. As visitors interact by turning a cube to reflect their current mood, they contribute to a collective portrait of Surrey’s emotional landscape. This dynamic interaction breathes life into the pavilion, mirroring the ebb and flow of the community’s moods in a way that resonates with the fluid pink designs on the ground.

While the pavilion showcases a dichotomy of emotions, it stands as a symbol of inclusivity, reflecting life's ups and downs. It's an open invitation to acknowledge that we all share some universal emotional states as part of our shared human experience. It encourages an open dialogue about mental health, not by magnifying voices but by visual representation, offering solace in the shared experience that no emotion is singular or isolated.

Spatial, movement and structural diagrams

The ground, painted in pink organic shapes, isn't just the base but a visual guide through the Circulation Zone, symbolizing life's emotional journey. At its heart, the Contemplation Zone offers a space for deep thought and conversation, facing the ever-changing mural. The pavilion's highlight, the Interaction Zone, transforms human touch into emotional expressions, mirroring the city's mood in a visual display that connects deeply with onlookers.

Transformation through time

EmotiCube’s aesthetic allure presents a multitude of layers to be unraveled by artists and creatives. Photographers, data artists, and visual storytellers are given a chronological canvas to document the evolving emotional landscape of Surrey, capturing daily or weekly snapshots that mirror the societal heartbeat.

Construction details

The pavilion is designed with an acute awareness of environmental stewardship and sustainability. Constructed from durable materials and designed to withstand the rigors of Canadian seasons, it is a testament to enduring design that serves both the people and the planet. The central pillar stands out as the fundamental building element of the structure. It has a concrete base, securely fastened to the ground with steel bolts for stability. Rising from this base is a central steel rod that serves as the pivotal axis for rotation. Each cube is precisely positioned along this rod, held in place by specialized clamps that ensure a fixed height and alignment, as detailed in our construction drawings. These cubes are crafted from recycled plastic, contributing to the pavilion's sustainability and longevity. Their hollow design makes them lightweight and cost-effective. For their manufacturing, we suggest using rotational injection molding for its durability and uniformity, or 3D printing for its flexibility and the potential for intricate designs. Both methods are well-suited for the production of complex forms and are in line with our commitment to environmental responsibility.

How are you feeling today?

As this pavilion stands through the seasons, it reminds us that our emotions are valid, transient, and shared. It stands as a testament to the power of public art in catalyzing community connection and in transforming a cityscape into an empathetic, collective embrace. Here, in Surrey, every emotion has a home, every feeling a place of comfort, and every individual an invitation to partake in the EmotiCube.