FOR SHORE. (working title) — Florence de Keijzer

FOR SHORE.

“For shore” is my final studio project for Design at Goldsmiths. I firmly believe that in order to respect the ocean we must live on her. This would eliminate the ‘out-of-sight out-of-mind’ mentality that circulates many narratives surrounding the ocean. Based on my context report (dissertation), this project communicates my research through speculating living on the North Sea on decommissioned oil rigs.

While it is still very much in the works, here are some insights into the journey it is on. FOR SHORE is an estate agensea specialised in supporting future co-inhabitation on the North Sea. The box (layered engraved plexiglass above sand) communicates the resources the North Sea provides our systems to express the importance of the North Sea and to suggest the ‘ideal’ area one could live on the sea in terms of resource. From there my focus turned to the oil rigs themselves. These offshore structures are continuing to be decommissioned, so why not utilise what is already out there? I began with printing mini 3D printed rigs and am currently exploring ways to visualise a possible oil rig structure as well as interviewing experts...

“Imagine seeing Earth retreat, only instead of viewing it from a ship, you’re still inside it”
Martin MacInnes, In Ascensions, p.354

This project evolved from oil rigs to envisioning an interdependent future through objects that bridge, or ‘hack’, nature’s designs - fish gills to marine grains - with human’s survival needs - breathing to communication - to encourage belief in design-driven positive ocean-futures.

The following objects are suggesting possible objects of the future where science and design work interdependently.

Survial radio.

Human gills.

Water filtration system including natural agents.

5 food groups, marine-produce.

SURVIVAL RADIO focuses on our social characteristics and our reliance on electricity to run our communication systems. Humans must maintain contact throughout radical weather events, therefore floating radios which charge via various methods is essential.

WATER FILTRATION recognises clean, fresh water as a rarity and its role in global inequality and disease outbreak. This project visualises a system where water is filtered with the help of natural agents (ie. oysters, seaweed, clams etc) to support the survival of marine and human life.

HUMAN GILLS views our inability to breathe underwater as our greatest threat to survival. Inspired by xenografts, is there a way to combine human lungs with gills? This mask speculates a possible method to breathing underwater combining marine and human abilities.

2025