Now at the final stages of the project, all that needed to be done were the corals. We wanted to fill up the seafloor with as many corals as possible in order to maximise the light effect.
For the corals, we were able to cut out the first batch early in the week but unfortunately, one of them got damaged during assembly as the part were too fine. Jennie Franklin and I were able to book the laser cutter prior the Wednesday class and prototyped the new designs I had developed. We also experimented with the "etching" technique (Note: Always remember to outline the strokes and use a 0.01 pt thickness and R=255, G=0, B=0). The effect was nice and subtle but we felt it would be better for the corals to have more distinct features, perforations, instead. When the perforated corals were cut, we kept the tiny scraps to add some texture to the sea floor.
Assembly and Testing
The weekend before presentation week, the team got together to assemble and test the completed piece as well as discuss how we would present the maquette. The assembly and testing went smoothly, all we needed to do was clean the surface of the acrylic with rubbing alcohol.
Into the Gyre
We needed a name for the project (we only referred to it as "The Enclosure" ever since). After brainstorming potential names, we all decided on the title "Into the Gyre" mainly because The GPGP was formed by the movement of the ocean currents also called gyres.
Implementation and Recommendations
Because this project is just a maquette, we wanted to show the feasibility of the concept on an actual scale. In the future, this project can be implemented as a four-piece touring exhibition entitled “Into The Gyre.” The exhibition will be composed of the following:
A large-scale installation piece that could be roughly the size of a standard ping pong table (dimensions: 2.74 m long and 1.525 m wide and mounted on sawhorse table legs). Ambient ocean sound effects and lighting will be added to the experience.
A Bot Building Station where workshops on basic bot building can take place. Participants will be provided parts to build their bots and at the end of the day, these will be dismantled for the next round of participants.
Informative educational videos and screens displaying visuals and data on The GPG and the effects of plastics will be playing on-loop similar to the exhibitions in the Singapore City Gallery.
The “Waves of Change” section will house display cabinets and vitrines that show various artefacts and items. Exhibited items will be sustainable alternatives to plastic. Ideally, these items will be local products as the exhibition will invite local social enterprises and businesses to showcase and promote their products. Collaborators such a local initiatives, organisations and educational institutions will also be invited to give talks and workshops.
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