Historically, the Computer Society’s General Assembly sets the stage for groundbreaking discussions, innovation showcases, and memorable events. But this year, the stage itself was a masterpiece that stole the show. The 2024 GA set design exemplifies how technology and creativity converge to transform a visionary 3D model into an awe-inspiring reality.

The 3-day General Assembly with the theme "The Capitol Games", based on the novel (then film) series Hunger Games, ran at the PUP Sto Tomas Campus' gymnasium from December 16 to 18, 2024.

Conceptualizing the Design

The journey began weeks before the event with a brainstorming session between the Computer Society’s executive officers, design committee, technical committee, publication committee, aftercare committee, and production committee. Despite a limited budget and tight deadlines, the goal was to create a set that encapsulates the theme of this year’s assembly: “The Capitol Games.” Inspired by the dystopian elegance of the Hunger Games universe, the design team conceptualized a post-apocalyptic stage built primarily from repurposed materials, mainly broken chairs. This raw, industrial aesthetic reflected the theme’s essence of survival and resilience in a world reshaped by chaos.

The initial 3D model was designed in Blender. The committees wanted to evoke a sense of decay and transformation, turning everyday discarded items into a powerful visual statement. The design was a collaborative effort by ComSoc's members, showcasing their creativity and technical skills.

The goal was to transform the PUP Sto Tomas' gymnasium into an immersive post-apocalyptic visual experience for the audience. The plan was to ensure that the set design was chaotically beautiful from any angle and any seat in the audience.

The Blender 3D model of the planned set design, plotted to the PUP STC gymnasium. Christopher Jay De Claro.

One of the challenges was achieving the balance between the chaotic look of the design and its structural stability. The team’s resourcefulness in balancing constraints ensured the project stayed on schedule and within budget.

The 3D model was also used to present the expectations for the external productions that would also utilize the stage, like PUP Sto Tomas' cultural groups: Indak Batangan, the University's premier dance troupe, Bagong Himig Batangan, PUP Sto Tomas' official chorale group, and Mozart's Guild, PUP STC's esteemed band.

Lighting and Visual Effects

The lighting design played a pivotal role in bringing the stage to life. The team utilized what was available from the University's Facility and Management Office and used the lighting system wisely to maximize its effect. Using the Blender 3D model, the team planned out how the lighting rigs would be placed and incorporated into the expected feel of the set design.

The Blender 3D model of the planned set design. Lighting rendered. Christopher Jay De Claro.

Assembly and Final Touches

Over the course of only a day, the design team created the main piece of the set design: The bird - the icon of the Hunger Games. The team used Styrofoam boards and gold metallic foil to bring the bird into reality. Soaring at dimensions of 7ft by 7ft, this piece of art served as the core of the set design, built to withstand the 3-day event. Despite the time constraints, the modular design allowed for efficient installation and adaptability to the space.

Students played a critical role in this phase, bringing their ingenuity and hands-on effort to ensure the project’s success. Their contributions underscored the event’s spirit of fostering young talent and innovation.

The Rubble

To accentuate the post-apocalyptic theme, rubble was added. Due to the limitations of materials, the team utilized the most accessible option: broken chairs. The University had a stash of soon-to-be-disposed broken chairs. With the permission of relevant offices, the team was able to use the chairs as part of the immersive set design.

Amid the rubble of broken chairs, attendees could spot remnants of old props from the Computer Society’s previous events. These nostalgic elements paid homage to the organization’s history while seamlessly blending into the dystopian aesthetic. This creative reuse of materials not only aligned with the theme but also highlighted the Society’s resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability.

Artistic touches added to the set’s post-apocalyptic charm included spotlights, colored lights, and a smoke machine. Christmas lights and ring lights were woven into the rubble, providing intricate details that shimmered amidst the chaos. These elements amplified the immersive atmosphere and drew attention to key parts of the stage design.

The Mozart's Guild performing. ComSoc's Documentation Committee.

By the time the General Assembly opened its doors, the stage was nothing short of a technological marvel. Attendees were greeted by a sweeping set that blurred the lines between art and tech, with every curve and contour narrating a story of boundless innovation amidst decay.

The Computer Society's 2024 General Assembly Capitol Games' set design was more than just a backdrop; it was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the magic of translating digital dreams into physical reality. Despite the challenges of a low budget and limited time, the team, composed of talented students, demonstrated that creativity and determination can overcome any obstacle. As the event concluded, one thing was certain: the stage had not only set the scene but also set a new standard for innovation and creativity in event design.

The Computer Society is the official academic organization of BSIT students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sto Tomas Campus.