OVERVIEW
HAVEN is an immersive experiential design project for Chrome Collective, led by Keighton and queer designer Camille Lo Bianco. Blending multidisciplinary approaches — spanning branding and bespoke graphics, spatial design, soundscapes, music visualization, performance, and exhibition — HAVEN is dedicated to crafting safe, accessible, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rooted in investigative research on the history of queer nightlife, HAVEN reimagines the architecture of inclusion, exploring how to cultivate environments where self-expression thrives, unbound by discrimination or fear. Through innovation and intentional design, the project transforms space into sanctuary, empowering community and connection.
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
BENQ Digital Projectors | AKAI APC40 MKII MIDI | opaque canvas screen | French chiffon mesh | stereo speakers with a Bose amplifier | waterproof tarp
AUDIO-VISUAL DESIGN
HAVEN utilizes 8 distinct audio-reactive visuals, designed in TouchDesigner, to explore the nuances of queer experiences through dynamic, real-time interaction. Leveraging a custom-built audio component, we mapped the music’s mids, lows, highs, kicks, and snares to intricate visual networks, allowing the imagery to pulsate and evolve in sync with the music.
To amplify the depth and responsiveness of these visuals, we integrated noise, mix modes, chromakey, feedback, UV delay, and other advanced parameters, all linked to an AKAI APC40 MKII MIDI board for real-time manipulation during live performances. Layering these visuals with music videos, archival queer imagery, and custom-designed filters, we created a rich, immersive aesthetic that bridges sound and storytelling.
The music set, crafted in collaboration with DJ and sound designer Hasan Khalid, was meticulously mixed in Ableton and Premiere Pro, ensuring a seamless fusion of audio and visuals that transforms space into experience.
BRANDING & GRAPHIC DESIGN
HAVEN’s graphic identity draws inspiration from the raw energy of iconic Brooklyn techno event invitations, blending futuristic aesthetics with a grunge-infused edge. Designed in Photoshop and Illustrator, the signature rainbow spiral serves as a visual metaphor for HAVEN’s diverse DNA—an ever-evolving spectrum of identities and experiences.
To reinforce the project's commitment to inclusivity and safety, the "house rules" are prominently featured on the right, setting clear guidelines for respectful conduct and fostering a secure environment for all patrons. HAVEN’s custom vectors and logo, designed with sleek geometric precision, subtly slant inward—symbolizing unity and togetherness while maintaining a contemporary, cutting-edge feel.
Rooted in history, the HAVEN logo pays homage to the original "safe space" emblem, first introduced by the Gay & Lesbian Explorers in 1989, ensuring that the project remains connected to the legacy of queer resilience and community.
MULTISENSORY DESIGN
HAVEN delivers a 2-part immersive experience, seamlessly blending high-energy movement with moments of introspection. The installation features an outdoor dance floor and an indoor relaxation room, both brought to life through projection mapping with BENQ W1070 projectors and MadMapper.
On the outdoor dance floor, original audio-reactive visuals are projected onto an opaque screen, dynamically synchronized with the music through a MIDI board for real-time manipulation. To ensure resilience against inclement weather, a waterproof transparent tarp was installed—offering both protection for hardware and an unexpected visual dimension, as refracted light dances across the space, heightening the ethereal atmosphere.
Indoors, the relaxation room provides a contrasting sanctuary, where projection-mapped visuals create a soothing, immersive environment, allowing guests to decompress and absorb the experience at their own pace.
To deepen the immersive experience, HAVEN engages multiple senses beyond sound and visuals, crafting a multilayered, atmospheric environment. Guests were invited to indulge in a selection of curated beverages, including a signature elderflower and fruit cocktail, designed to complement the event’s mandatory floral dress code, reinforcing the thematic cohesion of the space.
Enhancing the ambiance further, the room was infused with a custom-blended fragrance, layering delicate floral notes to create a fully sensorial experience. This aromatic element not only heightened the sense of immersion but also established a subtle, lingering connection between guests and the space, making HAVEN a truly embodied experience.
HAVEN was hosted by Chrome Collective Studio on 04/29/2023 and then at the Entropy Exhibit by Parsons School of Design’s Department of Design & Technology program on 05/16/2023.
