THE CONCEPT
Every visual we gather from our surroundings are a part of the past. Even when we say “now” we are not talking about the literal connotation of the present moment, rather a recent fragment of the past. On the other hand, when we try to visualize the echoes of the future with what we have gathered from the past (and/or “now”), we can make a prediction and/or have an intention. Even though we can never know what will happen, our actions build what’s going to come. Therefore the future is “NOW”.
This is where the question starts; if now is the past and the future is now, past is future and vice versa. Therefore, time is only relative.
Once we master the art of being present, we could have a mere understanding of the logic behind what has happened in the past and how it is connected to the future.
Starting with the Industrial Revolution, modern cities commenced to provide the two basic foundations in the pyramid of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Charmed by the beauty of the innovations, we have failed to foresee the negative consequences on Earth. Following the abrupt hit of the global pandemic, we have come to face our weakness as an individual, being forced to isolate ourselves in order to survive together. Now is time to understand, in order to limit disastrous impacts of Global Warming, we have to act as a single body and a plan that is just and equal for all has to be followed.
As LAX-Collective, we aim to point out the physical impact of the Climate Crisis by the use of a social experiment/installation project.
FUTURE ECHOES is not only an immersive experience but also a tool to raise global awareness to Climate Crisis.
According to a study on Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, using data from the 2007-2008 Gallup World Poll, conducted in 119 countries, nearly 2 billion people which was about 40% of adults worldwide have never heard of climate change. (source & more info)
Even though some measures have been taken, constructive steps to reorganize are still lacking on individual scale - which may as well be interpreted by the concept of the Bystander Effect.
Social psychologists Bibb Latané and John Darley popularized the concept of the Bystander Effect, a social psychological theory which states that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim in presence of other people.
According to Psychology Today, Latané and Darley attributed the bystander effect to two factors: diffusion of responsibility and social influence. The perceived diffusion of responsibility means that the more onlookers there are, the less personal responsibility individuals will feel to take action. Social influence means that individuals monitor the behavior of those around them to determine how to act. (source & more info)
The sense of responsibility will be strong if a single individual is asked to complete a task, which would result in a positive response; however, if a group is required to complete the task together, each individual in the group will have a weak sense of responsibility, and will often shrink back in the face of difficulties or responsibilities. (source & more info)
As stated by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived”. A global action plan has to be set and followed immediately, without any exceptions.
Carbon Footprint, as described by the WWF, is a simple way of showing how lifestyle leads to carbon emissions. It’s an individual’s impression on the planet.
Carbon Emissions, as well stated as Greenhouse Gases are produced by individuals in vast quantities by burning coal, oil and gas for energy, cutting down forests and through agriculture. An individual’s emissions are built up from their personal consumption of i.e. electricity and travel, as well as the energy that’s required to produce their food and all the other stuff they consume.
In 2021, atmospheric CO2 reached highest level in more than 4 million years, as put forth by Earth.org. (source & more info)
According to Global Footprint Network, Earth Overshoot Day shifted to 29th of July in year 2023. This means that humanity is currently using 1.75 times faster than the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate, as stated in the Journal of Petroleum Technology.
Although our perception of Climate Change seems far away, as of September 2023, we have approximately 5 years and 320 days to act to limit Global Warming to 1.5°C, to shift our priorities to change the future.
THE PROCESS
FUTURE ECHOES is an installation proposal, might as well be stated as a didactic game, pointing out the fact that we have to act as a union to limit the results of Climate Change.
The project is named after the concept of experiencing a Fast Forward Future, insomuch as our present actions will construct the coming days of the Earth.
Ordinary political discourses start from the point of having equal rights, however, apart from the fact that sources are not quite just between diverse geographies, deep down, humans do not want to be absolutely equal. Nevertheless, to limit Global Warming, a plan with no exceptions and no privileges, has to be followed.
Hypothetical Thinking as stated by Linden J. Ball involves imagining possibilities and mentally exploring their consequences. (source & more info)
FUTURE ECHOES, takes the concept of Hypothetical Thinking and constructs a plane to experience, reevaluate and understand how individual actions have big impacts on the overall process in Global Warming.
THE EXPERIENCE
Part I : The Questionnaire
Prior to taking part in the experience, visitors are obliged to complete a questionnaire.
The questions are designed to calculate each individual’s carbon footprint whilst arriving at the pavilion venue. Following the evaluation of their answers, they will be receiving a QR code to enter, unless their calculated journey exceeds the carbon footprint limit - which would result in an error screen, advising them either not to take part in the experience or to reconsider their choices if they’re still willing to attend.
In other words, the experience starts before the visitors reach the pavilion venue.
This questionnaire has two basic objectives;
- The total experience is designed to last a maximum of 20 minutes, therefore only a limited amount of people can take part each day,
which would avoid production of excess carbon footprint with regards to the project.
- The main idea is for us to understand that we have to be careful and conscious in every step we take.
Part II : The Balance Experiment
Visitors with no acquaintance will be invited inside the pavilion in groups of 16 - 20 people. The platform (floor) will be losing its balanced state as each person enters.
Doors will be closed once the maximum number of participants are reached. Entrance doors symbolize the transition between the Past and the Present.
Visitors will be expected to interact with each other and analyze the logic behind the overall process. As they walk around, the platform will slightly rock left and right. This platform represents humankind’s irrevocable relationship with its environment.
The longer the balance is lost, the higher the room temperature will rise inside and the closer the platform converges into balance, the temperature will decrease to ideal room conditions. This is an exaggerated depiction of how our individual unconscious steps worsen the effects of Climate Change.
Unless the balance is kept for a complete 60 seconds, the visitors have to stay inside for 20 minutes, to analyze the circumstances and find the solution: to act together.
Upon completion of these 20 minutes, participants will be conducted outside from the exit doors, which symbolize the transition between the Present and the Future.
SOLAR ENERGY USE (Outdoor Scenario)
FUTURE ECHOES is a self-sufficient project. The electrical needs of the installation, including lighting and temperature controls will be obtained from the Solar Panels that will be implemented on top of the structure. Calculations will be carried out according to geographical datas of the selected venues.
Based on funding resources, additionally a solar battery is planned to be installed, storing excess energy to help provide for its surroundings.
VENUE SELECTION
Having conducted several surveys and researches, we have limited the list of countries & locations down to 10. Our intention is for FUTURE ECHOES to travel in several specific areas and spread the word, in 12 months time.
Our target countries have been decided upon 3 statistics:
- Countries with highest CO2 emissions
- Countries with biggest Oil Reserves
- Countries that are most effective in Climate Action
CO2 Emissions by Country
The interaction of supply and demand determines the market equilibrium, therefore, changes in locals’ habitudes and life styles could help mitigate results drastically.
Oil Reserves by Country
According to OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), global demand is expected to reach 109 million barrels per day. Estimations vary slightly, however, it is predicted that known oil reserves will be used up in 47 years. It is important for locals to be informed regarding this topic and take measures in implicating sustainable methods and green energy resources into their life styles, starting from today.
Most Effective Countries in Climate Action
These countries are more likely to set examples to the rest, on how to act.
The following destination countries of FUTURE ECHOES are as follows;
According to Worldometer.info, Turkey ranks number 16 in top CO2 Emissions. As published by the Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-profit organization of scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Turkey comes in 15th in Top Annual CO2 Emitting Countries in year 2020. (source & more)
Despite these values, Turkey is the only country in the intersection set who hasn’t done its part in signing the Paris agreement. Accordingly, the first stop is settled upon Turkey, followed by Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Denmark, with the last stop in Norway.
Selected countries and preferred locations (with alternatives) may be found as follows;
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İstanbul Modern (İstanbul, TURKEY)
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National Museum of Contemporary Art (Athens, GREECE) / Waterfront (Thessaloniki, GREECE)
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Pirelli HangarBicocca (Milan, ITALY) / Triennale di Milano (Milan, ITALY) / NABA (Milan, ITALY)
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Reaktor (Wien, AUSTRIA) / Kunstpavillon & Neue Galerie Innbruck, (Innsbruck, AUSTRIA)
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Areal Böhler (Düsseldorf, GERMANY) / Pariser Platz (Berlin, GERMANY)
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The Centre Pompidou (Paris, FRANCE) / Parc de la Villette (Paris, FRANCE)
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Tate Modern (London, UNITED KINGDOM) / Sadie Coles Hq (London, UNITED KINGDOM)
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Framer Framed (Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS) / On The Inside (Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS)
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Beauton Art Gallery (Copenhagen, DENMARK)
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National Academy of the Arts (Oslo, NORWAY) / The National Museum (Oslo, NORWAY)
Important Note: Due to budget restrictions, if all fundings are granted, the platform may be installed in 4 different locations. Research for extra funding opportunities are ongoing.
The stops and in between distances have been determined according to minimum transportation needs as the same platform will be dismantled and mounted again, both to save production costs and to avoid excess CO2 Emissions, whilst the realization of this project.
Installations are planned either in public spaces or private locations (like gallery/museum yards), therefore, official permissions will be obtained upon approval of the project and additional financial sponsorships will be conducted accordingly.
Partnerships and parallel events are as well intended to be planned with local and global organizations dealing with Climate Crisis, such as United Nations, WWF, IIEA, Climate Clock, The Climate Reality Project, Climate Action Network, the Climate Group, Oceana, etc.
Depending on the impacts and demands of the project, FUTURE ECHOES could be allocated in more countries and locations, following the first 12 months.
THE STRUCTURE
FUTURE ECHOES is a rectangular prism with 8 meters in width, 8 meters in length and 3.2 meter in height. The main frame is built from recycled wood, coated on both ends from recycled wooden panels, forming the facade and the inside walls.
A glass strip of 5o centimeters in height is located 94 centimeters from the ground level, enabling the use of sunlight inside the platform.
The ramp outside the platform, enables equal and easy access for all visitors.
THE TARGET
Our initial target group is especially young people from ages between 16 - 25. The second target group is from ages between 25-45, as they build up the most active social groups.
We’re planning to reach these audiences by the aid of Social media as well collaborations with educational institutions, museums and galleries.
As explained above, prior to taking part in the experience, visitors are obliged to complete a questionnaire.
The questions are designed to calculate each individual’s carbon footprint whilst arriving at the pavilion venue. Following the evaluation of their answers, they will be receiving a QR code to enter, unless their calculated journey exceeds the carbon footprint limit - which would result in an error screen, advising them either not to take part in the experience or to reconsider their choices if they’re still willing to attend.
In other words, the experience starts before the visitors reach the pavilion venue.
FUTURE ECHOES is a plane to experience, reevaluate and understand how our smallest individual actions have big impacts on Climate Crisis. By the help of this experience, we aim to encourage individuals in taking measures in implicating sustainable methods and green energy resources into their life styles and consequently drive companies in changing their action plans, according to the needs of the environment - the interaction of supply and demand determines the market equilibrium, therefore, changes in locals’ habitudes and life styles could help mitigate results drastically.
