Haohan Zhang

My initial idea is from what I realised, a fact: different readers, at different times, reading the same book, glean the same information, but harvest different thoughts, all within the same library.

By collecting traces like stamps, labels, and notes, I aim to uncover the rich interaction between librarians, readers, and books themselves. This investigation spans two dimensions: understanding the creators of these marks and unravelling the significance of the books, encompassing historical context, design, and functionality. Delving into critical discourse, I scrutinise stamping in the Digital Age and reflect on broader themes of time, space, and individuality. My goal is to unveil the unique stories within books and decode the cultural significance of library imprints, thus illuminating the evolution of library usage and shaping a narrative environment through visual elements and graphic design. It also takes into account the different characteristics of books in terms of size, paper and printing methods.

Central to this exploration is the recognition of traces in life as symbolic of temporal existence, prompting contemplation of time’s irreversibility and the profound significance of traces.

In this project, I delve deeply into the intricate interplay between time, space, and memory, drawing inspiration from the relativity of time to propel my exploration forward. My goal is twofold: to translate imaginary, static memories and spaces into tangible, dynamic experiences and to create an immersive narrative environment through unique audiovisual storytelling, fostering a profound emotional connection with the audience.

My creative approach revolves around utilising the staircase as a primary motif, unfolding continuously to generate a captivating visual effect reminiscent of a ‘folding city’. Ultimately, I will present viewers with a mesmerising journey akin to time travel, facilitated by a projector mounted on the ceiling.