The Set Theory
Step Into the Mystical Cave of Set Theory
A place where elements converge like the mathematical union of sets, and their intersection unlocks the path to Nirvana.
This VR walkthrough is more than just an experience—it is an exploration of Nirvana as envisioned in Indian mythology. Rooted in the wisdom of the Vedas and Puranas, it brings to life the five fundamental elements of nature—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Spirit—revered as divine forces.
Designed for deep immersion, this experience guides users through an interactive journey where spatial audio cues and special effects lead them to engage with each element. As they explore and interact, they move closer to the ultimate connection—with Spirit itself. And once all elements are embraced, the final transformation unfolds—ushering the user into a state of Nirvana.
A Cyborg’s Journey to Nirvana
This project was born from our curiosity to explore the intersection of mythology and technology. Set in a distant future where humans have evolved into cyborgs—echoing themes from Marissa Meyer’s Cinder—it envisions a world where the disconnect from nature has only deepened.
In this VR walkthrough, the user steps into the role of a cyborg, signified by robotic hands, wandering through a dense jungle until they stumble upon a mystical cave. Drawn by an unknown force, they begin interacting with the fundamental elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Spirit. With each interaction, the cyborg rekindles a lost connection with nature, rediscovering something deeply human within.
As the journey unfolds, the ultimate transformation takes place—engaging with Spirit itself. In this moment, technology and nature converge, and the cyborg transcends its mechanical form, attaining Nirvana—the pinnacle of enlightenment and peace.
During the quiet solitude of the COVID lockdown, three of us came together to bring this passion project to life in Unreal Engine 4. Each of us contributed our unique skills—3D modeling, spatial audio and music composition, and design and interaction (my part)—to craft an immersive experience that blends technology with spirituality.
Shaping the Landscape & Cave
I sculpted the terrain using UE4’s landscaping tools, carefully designing the dense forest and the mysterious cave. To bring the environment to life, I used grass and tree assets like paintbrushes, layering them across the landscape. For the backdrop, I chose a sunset theme—a time revered in the Puranas as sacred and transformative.
The Set Theory Stage & Symbolism
A friend, working in Blender, designed the Set Theory stage—melding a statue and an abstract 3D model of Set Theory to symbolize the element of Spirit. This fusion of mathematics and metaphysics added depth to our world, offering both a philosophical and visual centerpiece.
Music & Spatial Audio
The musician in our team composed meditative soundscapes enriched with spatial audio cues, guiding users through the experience. Using FMOD, he crafted a dynamic soundscape where audio shifts and deepens based on proximity, enhancing both navigation and immersion.
Interaction, Navigation & Lighting
I developed the interaction mechanics and navigation using UE4 blueprints, opting for a non-linear journey where users could explore freely, without a prescribed path. The experience was designed as a personal discovery—one where, after interacting with all elements, the user reaches a state of nirvana.
What began as a passion project became a deeply personal exploration of art, technology, and the human experience—an intersection where code meets consciousness.
Designing Nirvana: A Journey Beyond Time and Space
Creating the State of Nirvana was one of our biggest challenges—after all, how do you design an experience for something so elusive and transcendent? Without a clear definition of what it truly means to attain Nirvana, we turned to research, drawing inspiration from various VR experiences—Tripp on Oculus being a major reference. Many existing apps represented spirituality through traditional symbols like the Mandala, but we wanted to take a different path—a scientific one.
We asked ourselves: What does it truly mean to reach Nirvana—the ultimate state of enlightenment, liberation, and peace of mind?
Our answer lay in warping the very fabric of space and time. We manipulated motion, distorting the behavior of objects within a specific radius. We altered sound, bending audio cues to create a surreal sense of immersion. We transformed special effects, crafting an environment that felt unbound by reality.
The result was an experience unlike anything we had encountered before—one that didn’t just simulate Nirvana, but felt like an awakening, a moment where perception itself was redefined.
Our project reimagines the intersection of mythology and technology, guiding users through an immersive VR experience where a cyborg reconnects with nature to attain Nirvana. By leveraging Unreal Engine 4, we crafted an open-world exploration with interactive elements, spatial audio cues, and dynamic visual effects. Instead of relying on traditional spiritual symbols like the Mandala, we took a scientific approach—warping space, time, and sound to create a transformative state of enlightenment. This unique approach to immersion and experimentation with spatial audio earned us the Best Project of the Year award at the SAE Institute of Arts, Liverpool, solidifying our vision of redefining storytelling in VR.
