Student Presenter: Leah Smit
Faculty Mentor: Kevin Park
School/College: Architecture and Design, Manhattan

My thesis, *Borderlands*, explores the use of projection mapping to create an immersive installation that portrays the harsh reality of the migrant journey across US borders. This installation aims to raise awareness and empathy towards the struggles that migrants face during their journey. *Borderlands* was inspired by choreographer Eileene Vicencio, who has been working as a content advisor on the project. Her insights and perspectives on the migrant journey have influenced the design and narrative of the installation, adding a unique artistic and cultural perspective to the project. The installation is designed to be a multi-sensory experience that engages the audience through visual and audio elements. The projection mapping technique is used to project images and videos onto a three-dimensional surface, creating an illusion of a journey through different landscapes. The sound design complements the visuals, immersing the audience in the journey and creating an emotional connection. As part of my research for *Borderlands*, I looked into the impact of immersive installations in museums and galleries in New York City. I conducted interviews with individuals about their understanding of the border crisis and previous experiences with art that had underlying political or humanitarian themes. These insights have helped shape the design and narrative of the installation, ensuring that the viewers' intended experience is archived.