2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Teaachong Digital Virtual Exhibition Hall

Entrant

Changchun Humanities and Sciences College Changchun

Category

Interior Design - Exhibits, Pavilions & Exhibitions 

Client's Name

Country / Region

China

The design morphology of this virtual museum is derived from the meandering middle section of the Yitong River, known as the "Mother River" of Changchun. Anchored in the profound cultural metaphor that "diverse ethnic groups should embrace like pomegranate seeds," the project visualizes the concept of a unified national community. It is not merely a digital archive but an immersive narrative space that weaves together the rich history, folklore, and spirited traditions of the diverse ethnic groups thriving along the riverbanks. By tracing the source of the Yitong River, users explore the roots of Jilin’s culture, witnessing a harmonious blend of past traditions and future technology. The core innovation lies in the cross-disciplinary fusion of Environmental Design and Digital Technology. The museum transcends physical limitations, transforming the static "river" into a dynamic, interactive "cultural flow." Through the integration of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the exhibition breaks the boundaries of time and space, allowing users to experience the unique charm of the "Spring City" (Changchun) and its ethnic customs as if they were physically present. The narrative structure follows the river's flow, guiding users through a "scroll" of history that fosters a deep emotional connection with the land and its people. Built on a robust framework using Unity 3D, the project ensures a highly realistic virtual environment and seamless user interaction. High-fidelity exhibits were meticulously crafted using 3ds Max to restore cultural artifacts with precision. Crucially, the development team prioritized accessibility and performance optimization. By implementing techniques such as Low Poly modeling and optimized texture mapping, the museum runs smoothly across various devices—from high-end VR headsets to mobile phones. This technical inclusivity ensures that the heritage of the Yitong River is accessible to a wider audience, truly democratizing the cultural experience. Beyond technical prowess, this project serves as a vital vessel for cultural sustainability. By digitizing the intangible heritage of the Yitong River basin, the museum acts as a permanent repository for fading traditions. It transforms passive history learning into an active, exploratory experience, fostering a deep sense of cultural confidence among the younger generation.

Credits

JIAJI ZHOU
JIABAI JIN
DONGDONG JIA
PENG ZHUANG
HONGGUANG LANG
YI PAN
More Gold Winners
Product
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - Jin Tong Tong Series – The Art of the Sycamore Leaf

Entrant

Yifu Cultural Development Co., Ltd.

Category

Product Design - Toys

Interior
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - POLY PALACE 175 Show Flat, Luoyang

Entrant

OCEAN INTERIOR DESIGN CO., LTD

Category

Interior Design - Residential 

Product
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - Vionne

Entrant

ECOMAZE LTD.

Category

Product Design - Personal Care

Conceptual
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - URBAN PLUSH:Generative Digital Toys & Emotional IP Ecosystem

Entrant

Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Category

Conceptual Design - Interaction