By: Felicia Guo
Yafei Hu’s latest work, Eternal Machines, in collaboration with Asher Young Studio, showcased at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is a testament to her boundless versatility as a space designer. She transcends the conventional categories she has previously worked within, such as the acclaimed theatrical production of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with Quantum Theatre. Besides exploring within the familiar realm of theatre, she successfully bridged the gap between narrative and space, inviting audiences to engage with the presented ideas on multiple levels.
Given the novel nature of the medium, Yafei, in collaboration with Asher Young Studio, extensively utilized 3D modeling and texturing. This technology allowed for a much faster development cycle with quicker iterations, enabling the team to implement ideas digitally, model traffic flow, and present an accurate visualization of the final concept to both stakeholders and the production team. The result is a strikingly artistic vision of a future where machines operate sustainably within the constraints of the natural world.
Photo Courtesy: Asher Young Studio
Yafei appears remarkably comfortable with the faster pace she has embraced while working with Asher Young. She seamlessly moves between diverse projects, where her talent for ideation and early-stage space drafting—leveraging a combination of 3D modeling and video production software—comes into play. “I can design for different kinds of spaces, each with unique themes and standards, which fosters a cross-pollination of ideas,” she explains.
She masterfully orchestrates the interplay of lighting, traffic flow design, and object placement to engage audiences and evoke emotions—an incredibly challenging feat in a production that lacks traditional storytelling elements such as sound and characters. “I wanted people to experience the space not as spectators, but as characters,” she shares. The brilliance of this approach transforms a simple walk through the exhibit into an immersive experience, transporting visitors into an alternate reality.
Photo Courtesy: Asher Young Studio
Yafei has developed a strong presence in performance theatre, contributing to works such as Considering Matthew Shepard and I Think I’m Starting to Want to Be a Mother at the Philip Chosky Theatre. Her work often encourages audiences to engage emotionally and intellectually, creating experiences that invite more profound reflection. She explores complex themes like power, fear, and authority through her approach, prompting viewers to consider different perspectives within the theatrical space.
Following the UNGA exhibit, Hu looks forward to exploring various mediums in the months ahead. She observes, “Artistic and commercial projects are quite different, but the central goal of engaging an audience is always at the heart of it.” With experience in multiple disciplines, she is keen to explore ways of blending different creative approaches in her future work, bringing together diverse influences and techniques to shape her projects in new ways.
Photo Courtesy: Asher Young Studio
Yafei Hu’s approach to space design focuses on encouraging audience engagement, creating environments that invite active participation rather than just observation. This perspective has been applied across various projects, such as Eternal Machines, where she explores new artistic directions. With an ongoing commitment to innovation and experimentation, Hu’s work highlights the expanding potential of scenic design in different contexts and mediums.
Published by Stephanie M.
