Yet the Waves Reflect is a prototype for an experience-based learning and participation tool aimed at discussing the consequences of climate changes in relation to the way cities and rural areas are planned today. Planning today does not take into account potentially cataclysmic climate changes resulting in e.g. rising sea levels on a global scale, which have the potential to influence the lives of millions of people globally as many cities and important rural areas are placed close to the sea or below sea level inland.
Video
The concept aims at making complex data and relations easily accessible through the use of 3D models, future scenarios based on text and sound, and an easy-to-use interaction mode consisting solely of a box with a joystick for controlling a 3D character on a large virtual landscape and two buttons for controlling the sea level up and down. The simple setup makes the design accessible to most users, enabling them to explore and experience the consequences of climate changes in their own back-yard and further explained in a number of predefined spots represented through scenarios. Through the design, users are made aware of the imminent problems facing the world and their own life-world in a way which traditional media are not capable of. We are working on a version that incorporate a participatory dimension enabling users to create their own scenarios and comment on the planning strategies for the areas in question.
The idea for the projects stems partly from previous projects concerned with the complex issues involved in urban planning and the lack of accessibility in these processes for ordinary citizens, and partly from observations of the present climate debate which seems to be dominated by experts and largely ignored by the general population who will have to face the consequences in a very real way.
The project was exhibited at the autumn exhibition at Charlottenborg in Copenhagen, 28.10.2006 - 19.11.2006.
CAVI
