Ost Zee⁵ : light of tomorrow

Problem showed with the help of sunlight: The Baltic sea is facing numerous problems, such as eutrophication, littering and harmful substances, as well as changes in species and habitats. These problems are already being addressed in many ways, but more need to be done to get the Baltic Sea back on track. Ost Zee⁵ is an underwater exhibiton space that uses sunlight as a tool to show the gravity of the current situation, bringing light into the darkness. The aim is to to achieve and preserve the state of the Baltic Sea and to secure the diverse and sustainable use of the sea for the present and future generations. The long-term goal is for future generations to see natural light refract from the water’s surface to the bottom of the sea. The benefits of the Baltic Sea have been enjoyed for the hundreds if not thousands of years. Nowadays the Baltic Sea is marked by the idea of a dirty and polluted sea where life does not exist. However, the Baltic Sea offers many benefits such as climate regulation, which is done for example, by sequestering carbon in bottom sediment. These benefits are called ecosystem services and these benefits should also be nurtured for the future generations. The most serious problem is considered to be eutrophication ie. excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae. This results in water turbidity, species change and unilateralization and loss of life in the sea. When a person is able to see the situation concretely a relationship with the environment can be established and with this, responsibility can be taken to make the change. Light in architecture: The aim for the architecture is to show the Baltic Sea in a new light and to create an story whose experiencer is able to create an understanding and connection to the Baltic Sea and thus work to preserve and improve it for the future generations. The story begins with a trip to to Hattusaari, during which you can see and experience the Baltic Sea at its most authentic. The diversity of water, the archipelago and its superficial habitat in full sunshine. Upon arrival at the destination, walking through the island under the trees, in a more sheltered environment from the sun all the way to a long bridge, where you walk through 80 meters completely at the mercy of the sun and the sea. The point of the trip is the exhibition space Ost Zee⁵, where you can experience different forms of light on different floors, from hot to cool and bright to dark. The architecture of the exhibition is used as a means of displaying the importance and value of things; showing the environment in need of help in a new light. The ramp in the heart of the space acts as a indicator from which the results can be seen as a light flooding inside through water over the years. By understanding and experiencing the Baltic Sea as whole, we want to create a deeper relationship with the environment so that is seen as a value that needs to be preserved. Humanity is depenent on the ecosystem services provided by the nature, and it is therefore important to ensure that ecosystem services provided are sufficient for future generations. Let’s make a favour out of favour.