Riverside Murmurs

The project is rooted in the idea of storytelling, where the narrative is not just about the past but also engages with present and speculative future scenarios. The aim is to create a dialog between the river as a natural habitat and the industrial transformations it has witnessed, emphasizing the harmony and discord that have emerged. This narrative is brought to life through a mix of digital and physical mediums, creating an evocative and thought-provoking experience.

The installation's design is conscientious of its environmental impact, hence the use of reclaimed metals and sustainable composites. The physical structure is envisioned to be modular, which allows for flexibility and adaptability to different exhibition spaces.

On the digital side, high-resolution screens and projection mapping are employed to create immersive visual narratives that are informed by real-time data and historical research. These narratives dynamically represent the ecological shifts in the Thames ecosystem, especially those resulting from industrial activities.

Interactive elements are integral to the design, with touch-sensitive panels and motion sensors that respond to the visitors' presence and actions, providing a personalized journey through the installation.

The project is underpinned by extensive research into several key areas:

• Environmental History: The industrial history of the Thames and its impact on the river's health and the surrounding ecosystem.

• Socio-Ecological Frameworks: The complex interdependencies between human societies and the river's ecology, considering how societal demands have shaped industrial practices and, in turn, impacted the river.

• Industrial Ecology: Studying the flows of materials and energy as a metaphor for the river's own flows and cycles, and exploring how these industrial flows can be reimagined to be more sustainable.