The Bridging Garden

About the Build

The Build A Minecraft recreation of the Tan Yan Kee Garden at the University of the East. Located between the university’s three main buildings, the garden connects the campus through its cobbled pathways and serves as a familiar gathering place for every Red Warrior. The Idea When we were given the prompt, “Video games keep us connected even when apart, pero iba talaga kapag back to school na. Show us what it feels like to finally get to hang and game IRL with your tropa,” I immediately thought of this place. During lunch breaks, students gather under the trees to relax with friends, study, rest, or play together. Despite being surrounded by buildings associated with academics and stress, the garden offers a small pocket of freedom where students can slow down and enjoy each other’s company. This build celebrates the transition from staying connected through screens to finally reconnecting face-to-face. Like gaming, the garden is a point of convergence for different paths, places, and people. We no longer have to settle for voice chat. We can meet under the same trees, laugh at the same jokes, celebrate wins beside one another, and turn our online adventures into real-life memories. The excitement is not only about playing games—it is about finally seeing the people behind the usernames again. And of course, meeting your duo, squad, and playmates in this place is always a BANG. Igma Kadima!