Shanti - Stress Reduction

The Idea

The Shanti Room (Sanskrit for "peace") emerged from research showing that nature-based environments can reduce stress by 57.9%. The concept was inspired by Japanese forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) and biophilia theory, which suggests humans have an innate affinity for nature. The interactive fish-feeding mechanism was designed to create a sense of nurturing and connection with virtual life, providing users with a calming, meditative activity that promotes mindfulness through gentle interaction.

The serene forest setting with a tranquil pond was carefully crafted to provide an escape from urban stress, offering users a peaceful sanctuary where they can reconnect with nature through immersive technology.

Technical Implementation & Stack & Core Technologies:

• Unity 3D with Universal Render Pipeline (URP)

• Advanced Fish AI System using boids algorithm

• Physics-Based Interaction for realistic fish food mechanics

• Maya-Created Environments with optimized 3D models

• Haptic Feedback Integration for tactile responses

Fish Feeding Mechanism

Fish Movement Mechanism (Boids)

End Result

The Shanti Room demonstrates the power of procedural behavior systems in creating therapeutic environments. The fish AI system, based on the classic boids algorithm, creates emergent behavior that feels organic and alive. This technical approach aligns with the interaction feedback principle for VR meditation systems, where user actions create meaningful responses that enhance immersion and therapeutic value.