Translating a legendary universe into physical space

Moongate contributed to early-stage world-building exploration focused on how the tone, scale, and mythology of the Final Fantasy universe could manifest as a navigable environment. Design studies examined architectural language, spatial hierarchy, and visual symbolism seeking to honor the source material while enabling clarity and legibility in a real-world setting.

Designing the first moment of belief

A key focus of the exploratory work centered on arrival and transition how guests move from the real world into the fantasy realm. Concept studies explored gateways, vistas, and procession moments that establish narrative context immediately, allowing guests to understand where they are, what this world represents, and how they participate within it.

These arrival moments were developed as experiential anchors, setting emotional tone before deeper exploration unfolds.

Participation as a core narrative device

Moongate’s POV work also explored training-oriented environments as a way to bridge storytelling and guest interaction. These zones investigate how learning, preparation, and character identity could be expressed spatially through environments that support play, discovery, and progression without relying on digital screens alone.

The intent was to explore participation as a narrative mechanic, allowing guests to feel embedded within the world rather than observing it from the outside.