Regan Penning
The Architecture of Hope
When you don’t see how much things have changed, you don’t see that they still can.
Many young people in Aotearoa today feel powerless in shaping their future; a key reason behind low voter turnout and political disengagement. My project explored how re-telling stories of social and political change could re-inspire civic engagement among youth.
The Architecture of Hope is an interactive digital archive mapping moments of collective action across Aotearoa’s history. Using the metaphor of a ripple, it visualises how small actions like signing a petition, marching, or voting, can grow into larger movements and change. Key features include a visual map that lets users explore how events connect over time, an interactive ripple timeline and speculative storytelling inspired by archival photographs.
I developed the project using filmed ripple footage, After Effects motion experiments, and Figma prototyping. The project demonstrates how digital archives can move beyond static preservation toward emotional and interactive engagement. Overall the project aims to invite young people to see themselves as part of Aotearoa’s ongoing story of change.
