The 2024-25 school year has brought many new additions to the university, from the construction of new solar-energy parking lots to a remodeled fitness center. But possibly one of the most significant changes has been the addition of a Virtual Reality (VR) space on the ground floor of the Armacost Library. The space contains VR headsets that students can use free of charge in a large room free of tripping hazards such as tables or chairs.
This week, the Journey to Gaza “The Phoenix of Gaza” exhibit will be viewable through the VR headsets, which will immerse the user in both past and present-day Gaza. The exhibit will be held from Thursday, Sept. 19, to Saturday, Sept. 21, from 12-5 p.m., and will make use of rooms 140 and 151 on the ground floor of the Armacost Library. It is hosted by the University of Redlands Public Square for Social and Environmental Justice.
As the exhibit is highly immersive, there will be assistance on standby should anyone experience motion sickness or discomfort while in the experience. There will also be access to counseling services and all parts of the exhibit are voluntary.
For those with a interested in learning more about the exhibit, there will be a lunch held from 12-1 p.m. with the organizers, Naim Aburaddi and Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb, who are the founder and academic director respectively of Phoenix of Gaza.
The event promises to be unique and impactful for all who choose to experience it.
Kae Yeoh is a junior majoring in music performance and is a senior reporter for the Redlands Bulldog. When not busy, Kae enjoys writing, making Spotify playlists, and watching documentaries.
