Plump

Plump
Embracing Multi-Species Time to Alleviate Eco-Anxiety

Coming to RMIT Gallery Program Space 18-27 May for Melbourne Design Week.
Complimented by a panel talk 27 May.

The growing climate crisis is impacting more than just our ecosystems. The continual decline of environmental health is also contributing to an existential eco-anxiety in the community. In some cases, eco-anxiety can even manifest in physical ways, such as an increased heart rate. Is there a way to alleviate these physical symptoms by reconnecting with other species’ experiences?

Plump is an embodied sensemaking object that emulates the slow beating of a seal’s heart. Participants are encouraged to embrace the object in any form to feel its heartbeat, relaxing the participant through a more-than-human experience and encouraging reflection on their eco-anxieties.

The experience prompts visitors to reconsider the narrative of human-centered living by introducing multi-species experiences, in order to shift our current relationship with the climate crisis.

Designed and conceptualised by recent RMIT Master of Design Innovation and Technology graduate Stephanie Ochona, this exhibition builds on their milestone project led by Dr Pirjo Haikola and Dr Lawrence Harvey.

To complement the installation a panel of industry fellows and experts will discuss how design can encourage reflection on the climate crisis and possibilities beyond the human.

Plump is supported by RMIT Culture.

Proudly supported by NGV Melbourne Design Week

@object_plump

Plump: Embracing Multi-Species Time to Alleviate Eco-Anxiety – Melbourne Design Week