TAOTOPIA is designed as an interactive VR experience set in a parallel universe where humans live in symbiosis with aquatic animals. In Taotopia, technologies are not developed by exploiting other species. Instead, they are crafted with the aim of facilitating cross-species communication, resonance, and the creation of a shared civilization.

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The world-building of Taotopia challenges anthropocentrism—the notion that humans are the central entities of the universe. Contrary to this view, it draws on the principles of deep ecology, which emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living beings, irrespective of their utility to humans. Taotopia represents the visualization of the ultimate utopia through the lens of deep ecologists, while incorporating the philosophy and aesthetics of ancient Chinese Taoism. Through this immersive experience, players are prompted to introspect about the anthropocentric views embedded in their psyche, questioning the permanence of such mindsets and pondering their capacity for change.

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