Project Description

Engaging undergraduate design students in a project that intertwines climate change, marine coastal systems, coastal communities, scientists, and the arts offers a unique opportunity to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and creative problem-solving. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the environmental and social challenges facing coastal communities but also equips them with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts through the arts. By working at the intersection of these diverse fields, students can develop innovative design solutions that are both scientifically informed and culturally resonant, potentially leading to impactful outcomes that resonate with broader audiences and inspire positive change in how communities adapt to our changing climate.

This is an early-stage, exploratory effort that is intended to yield some preliminary R&D for an Artists in Residency Program between the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center and project mentor Chet Udell.

Initial effort would include outreach to Hatifeld Scientists, Newport community, and possibly native organizations to identify broader needs, scientific and public knowledge, and values of each community to identify significant points of intersection. The goal would be to build a narrative that communicates the story of these communities' relationship with the coast and response to climate change. This would be followed by producing designs or prototype solutions that reflect the needs, knowledge, and values of these communities, fostering ownership and long-term sustainability. 

Brief Background on Organization or Client/Sponsor

Chet Udell

Growing up in the sloughs and gulf waters of Florida profoundly influenced my creative and technical pursuits. I’m an award-winning composer/performer, an acoustic ecology sound artist, and develop sensor systems for water and other environmental monitoring. At OSU, I regularly collaborate with Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka High school, and Native Alaskan Coastal Communities to explore environmental sensors and data through music and digital art. The activities yield important insights into the needs of the community and help us design better environmental monitoring systems for the region. This residency at Hatfield is an opportunity to nurture these, and other arts+tech+science activities in my own community. 

With a PhD in Music Composition with Electrical Engineering, I lead OSU's Openly Published Environmental Sensing Lab, collaborating with students and researchers to create instrumentation for environmental science. As the Multidisciplinary Programs Administrator for OSU’s Design for Social Impact Program, I work with students across engineering, arts, and business to address societal challenges through design projects. As an early-stage advisor and search committee member for Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building I-Lab makerspace, I instantly recognized the potential to combine innovation, science, creativity, expression, and community outreach at Hatfield. I have been working over 7 years at OSU main campus to do exactly this. Through this year of creative activities and workshops, coordinating with Hatfield, OPEnS, and DSI, I plan to build bridges between Hatfield and many important initiatives at OSU main that will yield an impact far beyond the duration of this residency.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

(From https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/about) Located in Newport, Oregon, Hatfield Marine Science Center is Oregon State University's marine lab. It serves as a base for distinguished oceanographic research and education and provides academic programs and opportunities for students in secondary and post-secondary education. 

Research areas of focus include: Marine Ecology and Conservation, Fisheries and Aquaculture, 

Oceanography, Climate Change, and Marine Technology and Innovation. 

HMSC provides community engagement through Public Education and Outreach, the Visitor Center, K-12 Education Programs, and Community Partnerships.

Outcomes:

Below are a sample of topics that would encourage students to think critically and creatively, engaging with both scientific and community perspectives while producing work that has real-world relevance and impact.

Environmental Data Visualization-Sonification

Project Idea: Design intuitive and visually compelling data visualizations that communicate climate trends, sea-level rise, or changes in marine biodiversity. And/or translate these data signals into sound or music.

Focus: Make complex scientific data accessible to non-experts, empowering communities to make informed decisions about climate adaptation.

Interactive Climate Change Exhibits

Project Idea: Develop interactive exhibits or installations that visually and experientially communicate the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems.

Focus: Use data from scientific research to create immersive experiences that engage and educate the public.

Marine Debris and Plastic Waste Art

Project Idea: Collaborate with local communities and scientists to collect marine debris and create art installations that raise awareness about ocean pollution.

Focus: Transform waste into powerful visual statements, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices and conservation.

Ecosystem Restoration through Design

Project Idea: Partner with marine biologists to design structures or interventions that support the restoration of vital coastal ecosystems like coral reefs

Focus: Blend aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that designs enhance biodiversity and are compatible with natural processes.

Artistic Expressions of Marine Biodiversity

Project Idea: Create art pieces inspired by marine biodiversity to foster a deeper connection between people and the ocean.

Focus: Use different media (sculpture, painting, digital art) to explore the beauty and fragility of marine life, promoting conservation efforts.

Design for Climate Change Communication

Project Idea: Develop campaigns, toolkits, or visual narratives that help communicate the urgency of climate action to diverse audiences.

Focus: Employ design thinking to craft messages that are clear, compelling, and culturally sensitive, leveraging the power of storytelling.

Sustainable Tourism Design

Project Idea: Reimagine tourism in coastal areas by designing experiences that promote environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation.

Focus: Integrate eco-friendly practices, local traditions, and educational components into tourism-related designs, reducing the ecological footprint while supporting local economies.

Resilient Coastal Architecture

Project Idea: Design sustainable housing and community spaces for coastal areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Focus: Incorporate local materials, traditional building techniques, and innovative design strategies to enhance resilience and reduce environmental impact

Seeking Skills

• Experience with coastal systems, community issues
• Visual Art, Digital Media, Installation Design
• Electric circuit design
• C/C++, Arduino Programming
• CAD, 3D printing, Machine shop