Hye Yeon Nam

Shifting Datum

2020, Human-Robot Collaboration


What if New Orleans sinks beneath the waves by the end of the century? How can we save our community and its vibrant culture?

Shifting Datum critically examines the relationship between New Orleans - a city much of which is at or below current sea level - and changes in relative sea level. Shifting Datum casts a red laser line moved by UR 5e robot across 3D printed models of New Orleans, marking the projected relative sea level rise year by year for this century. Through the Shifting Datum, I hope my audience will become more mindful about our environment and think about how to coexist with nature.

Collaborator: Brendan Harmon