AS IT FLOWS AWAY
Prompted by the erosion of a pristine beach in Mauritius, this project aims to stimulate sympathy in beachgoers. To achieve this outcome, the natural and man-made activities accelerating beach erosion are revealed to the viewers through a bench. The design is informed by observations made along the Mauritian beach. From far away, the tapered form of the piece signifies the natural erosion. But a closer look reveals a footprint-like texture on the lower half-end, symbolising human invasion.
Dimensions
W 487 x L 1797 x H 435 mm
Medium
Beech wood, stainless steel
Finish
Polyurethane varnish
Year of production
2020 (Undergraduate Thesis Project)
Awards
ADM Sustainability Award 2020 (nominated)
AN ACCELERATED EROSION
Since the early 2000s, the Pointe aux Piments beach has been eroding steadily. This is observed by the constant area of rocks exposed every year as the beach erodes. But since 2016, this process has accelerated, and one of the reasons is because of climate change.
FINANCIAL AND CULTURAL LOSS
Financially, beach erosion decreases the revenue of hotels that rely on the beach to attract tourists.
Culturally, locals fear the loss of a Mauritian way of life as going to the beach will not be so common in the next few decades.
“Sad, it is devastating
the nature”
“Would feel really sad because
its been here since childhood”
“Well it will be really heartbreaking
and would cause many
problems to society”
LACK OF AWARENESS
An online survey showed that 61% of the locals selected costal developments reasons for the cause of beach erosion. Although valid, climate change has become the main reason. Without being aware of the real problem, efforts will be invested in the wrong solutions and beaches will continue to erode significantly.
