HEYOON VR

  • Aaron Smith

Inspired by the captivating episode of 99% Invisible, I designed a Virtual Reality rendition of the facinating Heydon Pavilion.

This otherworldly structure was designed in real life by Joseph Kinnebrew for his friends Rita and Peter Heydon. Over time, the location has become a secret hangout spot for some of the local teens, much to the vexation of its owners. The pavilion was given the nickname “Heyoon” after visitors saw the words “Heydon Pavilion” etched in a glass plaque at the top of the stairs and mistook the “D” for an “O”.
I have wanted to visit the pavilion ever since I first heard the podcast; however, due to its location being off limits to the public, it was unlikely I would ever be able to. Because of this, Heyoon seemed idealy suited for being brought to VR. I recreated the pavilion based on the descriptions by Alex Goldman (the reporter who narrated the podcast) and the illustrations by Emile Holmewood.
Since publishing the environment, I have heard from Joseph Kinnebrew and Alex Goldman who both expressed their delight in seeing the structure brought to VR.