No Know is a script murder escape room located on the second basement level of a shopping district in Xi'an, China. The venue covers 1080 square metres and contains ten themed rooms, including Republican, Chinese, futuristic and minimalist styles. Many elements are left unfinished, and some walls remain in their post-demolition state, with exposed surfaces and simple stucco finishes. The original staircase was retained as a focal point of the public area. Aisles are 1.2 metres wide, so players pass each other closely and social encounters are encouraged.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- No Know is a script murder escape room situated on the second basement level of the Yongningli Shopping District in Xi'an. True to its name, the design purposefully incorporates many unfinished elements, with some walls left in their post-demolition state. This approach creates an atmosphere similar to an ongoing creative process, allowing players to experience distinct spatial sensations at different stages.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 1080 square metre
- Tags
- Script Murder Game, Escape Room, Mystery, Immersive, Emergent Gameplay, User Experience
- Production Technology
- The venue features ten room themes including Republican, Chinese, futuristic, and minimalist Ins styles. Rather than employing intricate techniques, the project embraces simplicity by preserving aspects of the original structure, such as exposed walls and basic stucco finishes. This choice encourages players to intuitively engage with the mystery and authentic texture of the space. The roughly painted plaster walls, when illuminated by specific lighting, become particularly captivating.
- Design Challenge
- A great challenge in the design process is that the designer must possess experience in the script murder game and know its rules well prior to commencing the project. These elements are essential to the design. In this instance, the designer is an enthusiastic player, which has allowed him to seamlessly incorporate the game rules and concepts into the spatial design.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in April 2020 and wrapped up in November 2021 at a site in Xi'an, China. It officially opened to the public in November of the same year.
- Operation Flow
- The conventional front desk area features a long table that remains in an unfinished state, evoking a sense of mystery. Positioned centrally within the public space, it meets the needs of players who wish to gather and converse while waiting. The design promotes social interaction, similar to the room aisles, which are designed to be only 1.2 meters wide. This narrowness compels individuals to pass in a staggered manner, creating opportunities for unexpectedly delightful encounters.
- Research
- During the demolition process, the original staircase connecting the basement and second floors was retained, becoming a focal point in the public area and the most dynamic feature of the entire space. This staircase serves as a unique element, allowing the overall environment to achieve a sense of elevation. In its unfinished form, the old staircase contributes to the space in a distinctive manner.
- Inspiration
- The appeal of design often arises from an element of unexpected uncertainty. Reflecting on the Buddhist adage, Free from the notions of I, others, living beings, and time，these four no notions do not dismiss existence; rather, they highlight the significance of looking beyond superficial appearances to uncover deeper truths. This concept aligns with the essence of the script murder game that inspired the design of No Know.
- Image Credits
- Shanxi Shanye Architectural Design Co., Ltd
- Patents
- Shanxi Shanye Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Press releases are available in 1 languages.