School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) Freshmen Orientation Programme

‘ARK DISTRICT MACHINA’ is a steampunk mystery set in an alternate 19th century Victorian world where steam-powered machinery is all the rage, set in the world-renowned fictional theme park of the same name.

To celebrate the park’s 121st anniversary, new recruits (YOU) will be sent on a mass treasure hunt to find 5 keys to unlock a mysterious chest. The prize of this mass treasure hunt? The district that finds the most keys will be able to become the next Vice President of the park. With the current Vice President retiring soon, this has all the districts in a frenzy to have their name enshrined in the park’s history.

However, whispers of suspicious activity begin surfacing during this celebration. What are the President's motives for opening the chest? Where did the mysterious chest come from? Why is the Vice President suddenly retiring? Why have the park’s attractions suddenly malfunctioned? The five district leaders and the new hires will find themselves uncovering a complicated history of betrayal, deciphering old records, all while hunting keys to open this mysterious chest. As truth and lies become indistinguishable, the employees will learn that not everything is what it seems...

The School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) presents 'ARK DISTRICT MACHINA' as our Transitional Orientation Programme (TOP) this year. This programme will take place in-person to allow everyone to experience a warm university welcome. Through TOP, freshmen will have the opportunity to have a taste of the ADM spirit. By the end of it, freshmen will be better equipped with the necessary tools to begin their journey in ADM.