Descend for an uplifting experience. De Trip is an escape, a step into a different dimension, leaving visitors renewed. The installation is designed as a (pop-up) multi sensory wander through an underground environment. An immersive experience is created with light, sound, gentle wind, scent and use of variety of materials. 

De Trip facilitates in a wish we all sometimes feel to just go away. Away - to an unknown place, a place different to what we’ve seen before, bringing us new perspectives and a fresh mind. In turbulent times especially, FELD felt the need to give people an immaterial escape. De Trip enriched our audience on an emotional and energetic level through a sensational experience. 

Visitors went on an adventure of Stillness, Stimulation and Oasis. After descending the stairs, they entered the underground world through a dark path with a curved mirror reflecting one’s self, whilst revealing a first glimpse of Stillness. This first zone showed a white, cloudy, calm and blank world with diffuse bright light behind soft flowing curtains. Depending on one’s navigation choices, the next phase Stimulation offered two different experiences, both feeling somewhat 'unheimisch'. A first turn right resulted in a straight pathway, entering a tunnel of low hanging safety fence, slightly touching the hair and head. A semi-transparent textile ‘wall’ subtly disclosed the alternative Stimulation zone where psychedelic moving light created moving shadows and pulsing sensations. Construction pillars became dynamic creatures, interacting with the visitors and their shadows. De Trip’s last zone exposed an aromatic green-blue Oasis with (floating) multi coloured objects, subtle glister and mesmerizing reflections. 

The sound is designed especially for De Trip and the acoustic characteristics of the industrial basement. Each of the three zones broadcasted a homogeneous sound story. Per zone an extra speaker enriched this basis with a unique sound layer. While entering a new zone, people physically came closer to this additional and zone-specific sound. 

The set up for De Trip is fully modular, mainly due to the use of event fences and theatre curtains for routing purposes. The larger part of the used textiles are donated to become curtains and clothes. The PVC, PE and polyester materials are stored in a small attic for reuse. The speakers are back in their rental storage and the glass bottles of the aromas are recycled, resulting in a sustainable installation. 

The human need for a small escape in a sometimes overwhelming reality was key in developing De Trip. The location-specific design resulted in magical interaction between the architectural characteristics of the basement and its 4K visitors. Playing with lower passages, people where encouraged to use their body to continue their path. Participants felt soothed and more calm, gained new energy and fresh perspectives. They appreciated the playful and adventurous feel, triggering one’s curiosity.