scape
Imagine a future where coastal communities no longer live in fear of sea level rise (SLR) but peacefully coexist with it. Climate change concerns are often portrayed abstractly, distancing them from local realities. Scape, a travelling interactive exhibition, grounds these concerns in the context of the community, empowering coastal residents to confront and adapt to SLR.
Scape is the transition from people living in ignorance or dread of SLR to a future where humans coexist with SLR. Scape connects with communities by utilising locally eroded clay to print 3D landscapes, bridging the gap between global anxieties and local experiences. A designated space in the exhibition invites participants to mark local areas that are significant to them so that communities can address specific problem areas. Through participatory design, Scape equips communities with tools to prototype solutions and observe their effects when exposed to SLR, fostering diverse outcomes tailored to each location’s unique characteristics. Before the exhibition moves to the next location, the community will be involved in coastal planting and erosion control with the clay landscape blocks. This end-of-life process is beneficial to the area and minimises waste, merging art, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Scape is a testament to the transformative power of education, community involvement, and innovative design in addressing sea level rise.
Scape empowers coastal communities to understand and innovate in the face of sea level rise, replacing fear with a sense of agency and hope. Connecting the exhibition to local environments and allowing participants to shape their interactions fosters a sense of ownership and resilience, contributing to the happiness of the communities it serves. The interactive nature of the exhibit unites people in a shared mission to address a global challenge, ultimately turning apprehension into a collective source of strength.
Sea level rise and coastal erosion are inevitable threats to coastal communities worldwide. The challenge to adapt to a changing environment is one that will have a ripple effect on both coastal and inland communities. Scape’s approach provides communities with the knowledge and tools to foresee the imminent challenges posed by sea level rise and adapt to these threats. Its focus on local context and participatory design prepares communities for a changing environment, reducing vulnerability and increasing preparedness.
Scape makes the abstract issue of climate change personal and tangible for communities. Scape’s exhibition informs and inspires action, making participants active stakeholders in coexisting with SLR. It represents a paradigm shift, demonstrating that community-led, sustainable practices can drive change. It showcases how innovation can transform challenges into opportunities and offers a fresh perspective on how we can address climate change. It ignites curiosity and facilitates a deeper understanding of the natural world. As a realised concept, Scape is a compelling journey that immerses individuals and communities in a powerful narrative, leaving a lasting impact on hearts and minds.