Ocean Cube: An Immersive Deep-Sea Experience
Interactive and Playful Exhibit Raises Awareness for Ocean Conservation
Step into “Ocean Cube,” a captivating pop-up exhibit that transports visitors to a futuristic vision of life under the sea in 2119. Designed by Randy Fernando, the exhibit aims to immerse visitors in a fantastical and bioluminescent experience while drawing attention to pressing ocean conservation concerns.
Five Immersive Rooms
“Ocean Cube” unfolds across five distinct rooms, each offering a unique sensory experience.
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Coral Tunnel: A fiber strand-filled channel leads visitors from the “polluted surface” to the deep sea, creating a surreal transition.
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Net Guard: This space is lined with fishing nets that protect visitors from both pollution and potential ocean predators, highlighting the impact of human activities on marine life.
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Jellyfish Station: As a transportation hub, the Jellyfish Station features jellyfish and whale “vehicles” that connect commuters, showcasing the potential for alternative modes of transportation in the underwater world.
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Bubble Mall: Envisioned as a shopping experience, this room features bubbles draping the walls and ceiling, representing brands of clothing, food, and other commercial items, questioning the consumerism that threatens marine ecosystems.
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Recycle Bank: The final room presents a sea of plastic water and soda bottles, encouraging visitors to confront the environmental consequences of disposable waste and to leave behind their nightmares related to the current state of the Earth.
Collaboration and Innovation
“Ocean Cube” is a collaborative effort between Intashow LLC, the University at Buffalo’s SMART Lab, and Fabrication Workshop. The exhibition incorporates leftover items from the fabrication workshop, including a repurposed safety window that forms part of the show’s sign, showcasing the potential for sustainable design.
A Call to Action
While “Ocean Cube” adopts an optimistic tone toward the future of the deep sea, it also acknowledges the stark reality of climate change. Studies reveal the increasing frequency and severity of ocean heat waves and climate change-driven habitat loss, posing significant threats to marine biodiversity and the health of our oceans.
A Whimsical Escape with a Sobering Message
“Ocean Cube” offers a whimsical escape from the troubles of life aboveground, inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the ocean environment. However, the exhibition also serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our oceans and mitigate the effects of climate change.
As Fernando notes, “The show is meant to provide an interactive and playful experience to appreciate the aesthetics of the ocean environment, while incorporating touches of activism.”
Practical Information
“Ocean Cube” is open to the public at 60 Grand Street, New York City, through August 18. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. Don’t miss this immersive and thought-provoking experience that will leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.