Coral Escapade
Thesis Project in collaboration with Museum of Solutions (Mumbai), 2021
Coral Escapade was designed as my final year thesis project in collaboration with Museum of Solutions (Mumbai, India). The objective of this project was to create an engaging, interactive and fun learning experience which promotes hands on learning in a stimulated environment.
The brief for the project was to focus on the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals and to come up with innovative design solutions which aligned with the play and learn principles of MUSO (Mumbai). The project primarily focuses on Life below water (UNSDG 14) but also talks about Climate action ( UNSDG 13) and Clean water sanitation (UNSDG 6).
A family trip to the Maldives during a break, coupled with viewing Jeff Orlowski's documentary "Chasing Corals," significantly influenced and inspired the conception of this project. The breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian landscape, as depicted in the movie, served as both an awe-inspiring experience and a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of human neglect in the face of the global climate crisis.
The juxtaposition of the pristine blue ocean and white sand against the backdrop of dead coral strewn along the beach was a poignant image that left a lasting impact. Submerging into the ocean depths revealed a contrasting reality—magnificent coral reefs marred by the visible scars of environmental damage. This firsthand encounter served as a profound awakening, compelling me to delve deeper into the intricate world beneath the surface.
"Chasing Corals" delves extensively into the subterranean realm, emphasizing the crucial role of corals and the devastating effects of coral bleaching. The emotions evoked during my firsthand encounter with the damaged marine ecosystem resonated deeply as I watched the documentary, prompting me to adopt it as a starting point for my exploration.
The compelling visuals presented in the documentary not only captivated my attention but also enticed me to undertake a comprehensive understanding of the complex issue of coral bleaching. This project aims to channel the inspiration drawn from both personal experiences and cinematic narratives to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on coral conservation within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Project Statement (Week 3)
"OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND"
Of the world we live in, 71% is covered by water- yet it is of the most unexplored parts of our planet. Water is where life was born and water is one of the main reasons we continue to survive. Water plays such an impactful and influential role in our lives, yet we forget to be mindful of the impact we have on it. Since it is not easy to interact with life below water, I want to to create a bridge to make it more accessible.
"OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND' is one of the reasons we forget to realize the impact we have on the life below water and problems it faces. Through my project I wanted to illustrate these effects and start a conversation about it.
1.ILLUSTRATE
The primary objective was to illustrated the problem.I truly believe by allowing the audience to understand and witness the problem they can build association ans relation with the topic allowing them to them divulge into it.
2. BRIDGE
The second objective aimed to establish a bridge connecting the classroom to the world beneath the surface. Primary research and surveys revealed a glaring gap in the level of interaction and information children had regarding corals. Given MuSo's location in the bustling metropolitan city of Mumbai, it became evident that the majority of its audience hailed from areas where the opportunity to interact with or witness corals was minimal. Therefore, the project's intention was not solely to educate children about coral bleaching but also to provide them with a firsthand and engaging experience with these vital marine ecosystems.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES ( Week 4 )
3. WITNESS
The second objective aimed to establish a bridge connecting the classroom to the world beneath the surface. Primary research and surveys revealed a glaring gap in the level of interaction and information children had regarding corals. Given MuSo's location in the bustling metropolitan city of Mumbai, it became evident that the majority of its audience hailed from areas where the opportunity to interact with or witness corals was minimal. Therefore, the project's intention was not solely to educate children about coral bleaching but also to provide them with a firsthand and engaging experience with these vital marine ecosystems.
IDEATION ( Week 5 )
The pedagogy of teaching underscores the significance of hands-on interactions and the pivotal role they play in comprehension. Therefore, the project's objective was to construct an installation with this philosophy at its core.
Three main ideas were considered, each converging toward the ultimate creation of the lamp:
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Interactive Coral Wall: This concept involves a simplified wall installation replicating the texture of coral. The installation is coated with thermochromic ink, which responds to heat. By engaging with the wall, the audience can firsthand witness the effects of heat on corals. This tactile and visual interaction serves as an effective means of conveying the impact of environmental factors on marine ecosystems.
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Virtual Game: The second idea entails the development of a virtual game with the primary objective of keeping corals alive. This game not only provides an engaging and interactive experience but also serves as an educational tool, fostering learning through the process of virtual coral conservation.
EXPERIMENTATION AND PROTOTYPING ( Week 6 )
Among three main ideas, the concept of the coral escapade lamp emerged as the focal point of development. This lamp not only serves as a direct demonstration of the effects of heat on underwater landscapes but also provides children with an interactive platform to engage with and grasp the topic in a simplified and non-overwhelming manner.
In conclusion, by aligning with the principles of hands-on learning, the project aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, fostering a more immersive and effective educational experience for children in comprehending the critical issue of coral bleaching. The coral escapade lamp stands as a tangible embodiment of this commitment, offering both visual representation and interactive engagement to enhance the learning journey.
