Build-A-Burn
A serendipity-rich, browser-based social world that welcomed over 25,000 participants in one week
In 2020, I advised Burning Man on developing the Multiverse concept. In 2021, I brought that vision to life through Build-A-Burn, co-created with Topia as one of six official Virtual Burn worlds.
Serving as Design Director, I conceptualized the experience design and playa composition, guided worldbuilding, and led artists and collaborators. I hosted over 20 hours of live performances, sourced dozens of artists, and created modular templates for building camps and interactive adventures.
The world used a stylized 2.5D visual language, where avatars wandered across hand-drawn scenes that faded into video chat as you approached others. Participants could embed livestreams, trigger soundscapes, create zones, and build worlds with drag-and-drop tools.
Highlights
- One of six official Virtual Burning Man experiences for Virtual Burn 2021
- 25,000+ participants during Burn Week
- Spatial video chat in browser — no app required
- 2.5D environment supporting 200+ concurrent video-enabled users
- User-generated camps and immersive spaces with drag-and-drop world-building tools
- 20+ hours of live performance directed and programmed
- Dozens of interactive artist experiences sourced and supported
- Featured in TechCrunch and Burning Man Journal
Key Contributions
- Advised Burning Man on Multiverse concept (2020)
- Conceptualized experience design and world layout
- Led Topia's experience direction and strategic engagement with the Burner community
- Directed and programmed 20+ hours of live performance
- Sourced and supported interactive artist experiences
- Designed core Topia templates and virtual playa map
- Supported media integration and interactivity
- Developed community onboarding and artist enablement
"I spend a lot of time thinking about how to create interactive, immersive, connective, deep experiences." — Teresa Yung, Build-A-Burn Artist
Videos
Acknowledgements
Ari Lazer (Radiance Mainstage — Sacred Geometry Installation), Teresa Yung (The Sparkle Pony Express — Onboarding Experience), Adam Dreams (Seven — Interactive Hero's Journey), Daniel Liebeskind (CEO, Topia), Brooke Daily (Creative Direction, Topia), and the many artists, performers, camp builders, and participants who co-created the virtual playa.
