How might we turn climate data into a visceral, immersive journey that empowers individuals by visualising the collective power of their choices?

An interactive exhibition that transforms climate data into a tangible, emotional experience through animation, games, and participatory elements. It engages audiences in reflection and collective action toward sustainability.

Greenhouse gas emissions are steadily warming the atmosphere. The ocean absorbs about 90% of this excess heat, causing seawater to expand. Warmer waters also melt roughly 1.2 trillion tonnes of ice from both hemispheres each year, raising global sea levels by 3.6mm. In some parts of New Zealand, such as Christchurch, the land is gradually sinking due to the 2011 earthquakes. The combination of rising seas and sinking land makes sea level rise even worse.

Rising sea levels are already impacting Aotearoa. This is not a distant problem; it is happening now. Coastal areas in New Zealand are facing more frequent flooding and erosion, especially where the land is also sinking. The effects are not limited to the coast. As more land becomes uninhabitable, more people will be forced to move inland, increasing pressure on already strained cities, infrastructure, and communities.

Floods that once happened only once a century could soon become annual or even monthly events, especially when combined with king tides and storm surges. Despite the urgency and potentially catastrophic consequences, these warnings still feel distant to many people, particularly young urban New Zealanders.

All the data is available, but it is difficult to relate to something that seems so abstract. We realised that facts and numbers alone are not enough. People need to see and emotionally connect with the future to truly care.

In this project, I particularly enjoyed the collaborative nature of working with my team. We were closely involved in each other’s contributions throughout the process, sharing ideas, providing feedback, iterating and refining the work together. This created a strong sense of teamwork and resulted in a more cohesive final outcome.

It was also my first time designing wayfinding for an exhibition, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It challenged me to think beyond aesthetically and consider how visual communication can guide visitors through a physical space and create a cohesive experience.