Ocean Room is a life-sized, 9-foot-tall dome installed at the center of a dark room. Video projections of rolling waves illuminate the dome’s exterior, while the sounds and scent of the ocean immerse visitors in a multisensory seascape. Inside, a carpet-lined floor, two chairs, and a communal notebook invite reflection, conversation, and creative expression.

This installation was born from a desire to create a meditative, refuge-liked space within the university – somewhere safe, calming, and separate from the outside world. Over the course of the exhibition, Ocean Room welcomed hundreds of visitors, from Duke students and faculty to guests from Durham and the wider Triangle area, each seeking a moment of stillness.

At its core, Ocean Room is also an experiment in space and connection. Designed as an intimate yet shared environment, the dome serves as a third space that invites both solitude and spontaneous interaction. What happens when two strangers meet inside? What kinds of conversations or connections might unfold? Can a shared moment within the dome create a bond between visitors?

Visitor Book

The Visitor Book sits on a stand outside the exhibit room. Visitors are encouraged to leave comments, suggestions and feedback.

I’ve attached a selection of entries below; the full visitor book can be viewed here (29 pages).

View the full visitor book here: http://bit.ly/OceanRoom_VisitorBook