Tombolo or the Other World
Basic information
Project Title
Tombolo or the Other World
Full project title
Tombolo or the Other World
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
In some countries, rivers have been granted legal status to protect them. Can we also use myths to support and preserve our water resources?
The aim of «Tombolo» is to use local crafts and technological skills to preserve the heritage, the water flows, and the ecosystem of the Ploumanac'h Heath, a natural protected site in Brittany. This innovative approach not only fosters environmental conservation but also promotes cultural appreciation and imagination through several mediation methods.
The aim of «Tombolo» is to use local crafts and technological skills to preserve the heritage, the water flows, and the ecosystem of the Ploumanac'h Heath, a natural protected site in Brittany. This innovative approach not only fosters environmental conservation but also promotes cultural appreciation and imagination through several mediation methods.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Perros-Guirec in FRANCE, France
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The overall aim of the project "Tombolo and the Other World" was to design new mediation methods for the natural protected site of the «Landes of Ploumanac'h» in Brittany, France. The objectives were to raise awareness of the ecosystem from this coastal site and to improve the quality of the venue. Considering the protected status of the site, the project has a minimal ecological impact. To conceive this project, we came multiple times on-site, interviewing many local actors to learn about the territory and its history.
From this research emerged a global experience delivered to the public. The project's aesthetic serves as an invitation to learn more about the ecosystem site. We conceived several mediation methods, as inclusive and child-friendly as possible. It includes :
- A tale combining Celtic mythology and the specific features of the Landes de Ploumanac'h site
- A "Threshold of the Other World", a sculpture manifesting the starting point of the guided walk
- An edition with the site map
- The creation of an animated tour model to walk through the Other World
(using six crafted objects for the mediators)
- An audio guide/podcast to accompany visitors to the site in a different way.
- Visit to the Maison du Littoral: presentation of the project and educational content
- A tide clock
Since the installation of the exhibition in July 2023, around 202,000 visitors have come. Their feedbacks were all enthusiastic. The Coast Guard team is appreciating its new mediation tools. During this project, we learned the power of imagination to ease visitors' entry into the site without modern concerns and fears. We also confirmed the need for a local engagement and rooting for a project to get the most fitted delivery. We now hope to develop more projects implying natural territory/human presence linkage, using the methodology we conceived for the "Tombolo and the Other World" project.
From this research emerged a global experience delivered to the public. The project's aesthetic serves as an invitation to learn more about the ecosystem site. We conceived several mediation methods, as inclusive and child-friendly as possible. It includes :
- A tale combining Celtic mythology and the specific features of the Landes de Ploumanac'h site
- A "Threshold of the Other World", a sculpture manifesting the starting point of the guided walk
- An edition with the site map
- The creation of an animated tour model to walk through the Other World
(using six crafted objects for the mediators)
- An audio guide/podcast to accompany visitors to the site in a different way.
- Visit to the Maison du Littoral: presentation of the project and educational content
- A tide clock
Since the installation of the exhibition in July 2023, around 202,000 visitors have come. Their feedbacks were all enthusiastic. The Coast Guard team is appreciating its new mediation tools. During this project, we learned the power of imagination to ease visitors' entry into the site without modern concerns and fears. We also confirmed the need for a local engagement and rooting for a project to get the most fitted delivery. We now hope to develop more projects implying natural territory/human presence linkage, using the methodology we conceived for the "Tombolo and the Other World" project.
Key objectives for sustainability
The Ploumanac'h Heath is a protected site covering 80 hectares along the Brittany coast. It features the Douaniers' Trail, a path that crosses the site, and the Littoral's House, an exhibition space managed by the Coast Guard team. The location offers stunning pink granite landscapes with crags rising up to 20 meters high, as well as heathlands composed of heather and gorse. It is a breathtaking location that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The project's main focus was to create greater awareness of the natural environment and its significance, with an emphasis on conservation and sustainable development. To achieve this, we aimed to design a project with minimal ecological impact. We ensured that the different mediation methods on site were carried out by the Coast Guards and that they were not anchored in the ground with cement or any other invasive methods. We collaborated with local craftspeople to create six durable wooden objects that were made to last even after 29 months of the exhibition.
Our approach was short-distance collaboration, which benefited the communication around the project, as all stakeholders were in the same area. From the design process to installation, we always paid close attention to file sizes and the materials used (wood and stone). As Brittany's most visited natural site, we believe that sustainability must be at the forefront of visitors' minds and ingrained in our practice. By doing so, we can ensure that our project is not only successful but also has a positive impact on the natural environment for years to come.
The project's main focus was to create greater awareness of the natural environment and its significance, with an emphasis on conservation and sustainable development. To achieve this, we aimed to design a project with minimal ecological impact. We ensured that the different mediation methods on site were carried out by the Coast Guards and that they were not anchored in the ground with cement or any other invasive methods. We collaborated with local craftspeople to create six durable wooden objects that were made to last even after 29 months of the exhibition.
Our approach was short-distance collaboration, which benefited the communication around the project, as all stakeholders were in the same area. From the design process to installation, we always paid close attention to file sizes and the materials used (wood and stone). As Brittany's most visited natural site, we believe that sustainability must be at the forefront of visitors' minds and ingrained in our practice. By doing so, we can ensure that our project is not only successful but also has a positive impact on the natural environment for years to come.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The project at Ploumanac'h Heath offers a unique and immersive experience to visitors. The shared aesthetic of the venue is evident in two primary areas, namely the exhibition and the site's entry. The exhibition features a custom table, explanation panels, and a booklet that are designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and significance. The site's entry is marked by a sculpture, the "Threshold of the Other World," which sets the tone for the visitor's experience.
The guided tours use mediation objects that maintain the shared aesthetic, ensuring that visitors are fully immersed in the experience. Additionally, twelve audios (including a tale) transport visitors to an imagined world adapted from Celtic mythology, known as The Other World. This imaginary world complements the actual site and offers visitors a new perspective on Ploumanac'h Heath. The Other World serves as a fairyland that mirrors the site, and visitors' personal feelings and memories are seamlessly integrated into the imaginary world. This creates a unique experience where visitors move back and forth from the tale to the site and from the site to their own story.
This global convocation of imagination is designed to immerse visitors in the ecosystem's flows and species, providing them with a deeper understanding of the natural world. The hand-drawn illustrations by Isabelle Daëron and the wooden objects created by the craftspeople showcase the care and craftsmanship that is synonymous with Brittany.
Overall, the project at Ploumanac'h Heath is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. By seamlessly integrating an imaginary world with the actual site, visitors are transported to a new world, which complements their experience of the site. The project creates a unique and immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
The guided tours use mediation objects that maintain the shared aesthetic, ensuring that visitors are fully immersed in the experience. Additionally, twelve audios (including a tale) transport visitors to an imagined world adapted from Celtic mythology, known as The Other World. This imaginary world complements the actual site and offers visitors a new perspective on Ploumanac'h Heath. The Other World serves as a fairyland that mirrors the site, and visitors' personal feelings and memories are seamlessly integrated into the imaginary world. This creates a unique experience where visitors move back and forth from the tale to the site and from the site to their own story.
This global convocation of imagination is designed to immerse visitors in the ecosystem's flows and species, providing them with a deeper understanding of the natural world. The hand-drawn illustrations by Isabelle Daëron and the wooden objects created by the craftspeople showcase the care and craftsmanship that is synonymous with Brittany.
Overall, the project at Ploumanac'h Heath is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. By seamlessly integrating an imaginary world with the actual site, visitors are transported to a new world, which complements their experience of the site. The project creates a unique and immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Key objectives for inclusion
Our mediation methods aim to provide as much accessibility as possible to our visitors. To cater to various sensibilities, we use graphical representations and large printed panels. The information is both visible onsite and online. We also have audio tracks that make it easy for visitors to access the content. To follow the visitors outside the exhibition, we printed a booklet. We collaborated with Marielle Brie, an art historian, to write a tale accessible to all ages. The Coast Guard team mediates the venue and uses poetical objects designed to interact with the visitors. Since the project's installation, families with children, elderly visitors, and local inhabitants have experienced the exhibition and tours with a lot of curiosity. As Brittany's most visited natural site, the French government built some parking lots at the venue's entry in the 1980s. It vastly improved the site's accessibility but sadly changed the visitor's behaviors. The Coast Guard team noticed that people didn't take the same time as before to immerse themselves and understand what living ecosystem they were facing. Locally elected citizen wanted to reintroduce a sense of the 'wonderful' on the location. Aware of this ascertainment, we set the objective to design an experience that would invite and include all types of visitors, completely free of charge.
Results in relation to category
The project was an example of how understanding a place's history and context, mapping its features, and designing an installation that embodies its essence can create a unique and meaningful experience for visitors while promoting the protection of the site. We believe that by engaging with local communities and incorporating their beliefs and stories into our work, we can make a difference that will last. We hope that through this project, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and be inspired to take action to protect it. By working together to preserve our environment, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Our ultimate goal is to create sustainable projects that not only protect the natural environment but also enrich the lives of those living in the surrounding communities.
Since the installation of the project 250 000 visitors have come. According to the Coast Guard team, they were interested, curious, and involved. We expect about 1 470 000 visitors over the 29 months of the exhibition. These calculations are based on sensors placed throughout the site.
From the interviews we conducted with our partners in this project, they are very pleased with the way we conducted the project, always in consultation with the local actors, delivering a light and poetical project despite the quantity of knows hows and technologies put into it. We are convinced that our ambitions to re-stimulate this highly visited in a more sustainable area were met.
Our ultimate goal is to create sustainable projects that not only protect the natural environment but also enrich the lives of those living in the surrounding communities.
Since the installation of the project 250 000 visitors have come. According to the Coast Guard team, they were interested, curious, and involved. We expect about 1 470 000 visitors over the 29 months of the exhibition. These calculations are based on sensors placed throughout the site.
From the interviews we conducted with our partners in this project, they are very pleased with the way we conducted the project, always in consultation with the local actors, delivering a light and poetical project despite the quantity of knows hows and technologies put into it. We are convinced that our ambitions to re-stimulate this highly visited in a more sustainable area were met.
How Citizens benefit
To add more depth to the project, we decided to facilitate generational transmission and strengthen the involvement of the inhabitants with their territory. To achieve this, we conducted interviews with a diverse range of individuals, each with their own unique expertise. For example, we spoke with Stéphanie Stoll, a Ploumanac'h resident and Breton speaker, who shared her knowledge of the region's Breton heritage. Similarly, Yvon Tilly, Josette Le Guluch, Marie-Annick Guillou, and Michèle Le Bourg, other residents of Ploumanac'h, discussed the town's historic center and cultural traditions. In addition, we spoke with Pascal Provost, who is the League for the Protection of Birds' curator for the Sept-Îles National Nature Reserve, who highlighted the various bird species in the area. Furthermore, we heard from Jean-François Joly and Helène Le Quéau, both experienced divers, who shared their diving experiences on this specific shore. Lastly, we interviewed Mathieu Monchoix, a local fisherman, who provided an overview of his fishing activity and the various local species. The interviews are available in audio format at the site's exhibition and online. By sharing the stories of these individuals, we were able to add density to the project and create a connection between the inhabitants and the project. This methodology was new to them, but they were happy to share their knowledge. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been eager to engage in more sustainable tourism and to contribute to the preservation of the natural site.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
The innovative character of the project mainly resides in its new forms of mediation. The use of objects to reveal the landscape, to see the way birds or salmons see, to use bird's eggs for future caution, to discover when species can be seen depending on the tide or sea depth transcend the guided tours and immediately set a sense of appropriation for the visitors. Furthermore, all of the mediation methods respect the environmental guidelines and aren't anchored in the soil. With those mobile methods, the project has a minimal ecological impact.
We believe designers can act as sensible translators, helping technical or specific know-how speeches reach their audiences. The position we embodied in this project was to connect the history and specifies of a protected site to tourists, reconnect it to local inhabitants, and make different experts meet around the subject of the site's protection. To take things a step further, we have also acted as a bridge between ancient beliefs and contemporary considerations, a bridge between different times.
We believe designers can act as sensible translators, helping technical or specific know-how speeches reach their audiences. The position we embodied in this project was to connect the history and specifies of a protected site to tourists, reconnect it to local inhabitants, and make different experts meet around the subject of the site's protection. To take things a step further, we have also acted as a bridge between ancient beliefs and contemporary considerations, a bridge between different times.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Isabelle Daëron is an artist and designer who creates objects, spaces, and installations that reflect on the environment and the natural elements that compose it. She explores the contemporary environmental issues and their scope of application such as flows, energy, and mobility, while making the most of the resources available in the area engaged by her creations. In 2018, she founded the Studio Idaë, which specializes in urban design, space, and research. The team comprises four designers led by Isabelle who offer a wide range of skills and initiate a creative dialogue starting from the ideation phase of every project. The Idaë studio has the ability to understand different formal, poetic, and scientific languages and translate them into accessible forms for the users.
Throughout the project, the studio collaborated with different specialists to create a project of the highest quality. For example, they worked with Marielle Brie, an art historian, to update remarkable elements from mythological stories and write a new tale that reflects the site's history and specificities. The interviews conducted during the research phase were produced for the exhibition by Jean-Christophe Borderie of Ille-medias. Audrey Templier shared her expertise in graphic design for the exhibition's booklet design. Finally, Pascal Harnois, Gaël Le Thellec, and Xavier Bonsergent, the four craftspeople the studio worked with, enabled the creation of mediation objects and the Tide clock (an object part of the exhibition). We are always seeking to add to the concept the interactions the different disciplines can have during the process.
Throughout the project, the studio collaborated with different specialists to create a project of the highest quality. For example, they worked with Marielle Brie, an art historian, to update remarkable elements from mythological stories and write a new tale that reflects the site's history and specificities. The interviews conducted during the research phase were produced for the exhibition by Jean-Christophe Borderie of Ille-medias. Audrey Templier shared her expertise in graphic design for the exhibition's booklet design. Finally, Pascal Harnois, Gaël Le Thellec, and Xavier Bonsergent, the four craftspeople the studio worked with, enabled the creation of mediation objects and the Tide clock (an object part of the exhibition). We are always seeking to add to the concept the interactions the different disciplines can have during the process.
Methodology used
V2 (1 195 characters) : The Ploumanac'h Heath project began with observing and meeting the people who live near the site, the mediation team, and visitors. Through photographs, interviews, and drawings, the team gained an understanding of the history and current context of the site. This information was then used to produce a cartographic and graphic work, a large-format paper map (a research wall) showing all the specific features of the site, including resources, uses, fauna, and flora.
Based on this analysis, the team came up with a sketch of an installation and developed a work plan to identify the means of realizing it. The constant concern was to embody the reconnection with this natural territory by highlighting the site's ecosystem, improving the visitor experience, and promoting the protection of the site. To achieve this, the team enlisted the help of several different trades, including designers, architects, and builders to bring their proposals to life.
Finally, the project was completed in July 2023, and the team inaugurated the exhibition to showcase their research work. They also took part in the first guided walk around the site to celebrate the completion of the project with all those involved.
Based on this analysis, the team came up with a sketch of an installation and developed a work plan to identify the means of realizing it. The constant concern was to embody the reconnection with this natural territory by highlighting the site's ecosystem, improving the visitor experience, and promoting the protection of the site. To achieve this, the team enlisted the help of several different trades, including designers, architects, and builders to bring their proposals to life.
Finally, the project was completed in July 2023, and the team inaugurated the exhibition to showcase their research work. They also took part in the first guided walk around the site to celebrate the completion of the project with all those involved.
How stakeholders are engaged
Tombolo is part of the «Mondes Nouveaux» program, run by the French Ministry of Culture. They selected the project among 3 200 others and financed it. This program was part of a larger initiative from the French government to support artists and designers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We would like to thank Caroline Naphegyi, the design referent of the committee. Selected projects featured a strong focus on creating a dialog between patrimony and creation and were the closest to the local population, reconnecting them with their surroundings.
We designed the project for the Ploumanac'h Heath, a natural protected site, part of the city of Perros-Guirec, located on the northern coast of Brittany in France. The City Hall of Perros-Guirec is the tenant of the «Maison du littoral» (House of Littoral) and is co-managing the site together with the «Conservatoire du Littoral» (Littoral Conservatory) it's owner, a public administrative establishment under the supervision of the French Minister for Nature Conservation. The City hall supported the executive aspect, facilitating the installation of the exhibition.
The Littoral Conservatory, represented by Marie Le Scanve (site's Coast Guard mediation manager) and her team helped us throughout the process. During the research, they helped us connect with local actors. They facilitated our access to the site and shared their knowledge. When we designed the mediation objects, they gave us direct feedback and were involved in the project.
We worked with the «LAB/Libre Artbître» association (recognized as being in the public interest, which works to maintain and develop arts and crafts in Brittany) to reach talented craftspeople willing to realize the mediation objects. This partnership allowed us to support and encourage the association's missions as well as give them a platform.
During the research phase, we conducted over 40 interviews with local elected citizen, association members etc. All the parties
We designed the project for the Ploumanac'h Heath, a natural protected site, part of the city of Perros-Guirec, located on the northern coast of Brittany in France. The City Hall of Perros-Guirec is the tenant of the «Maison du littoral» (House of Littoral) and is co-managing the site together with the «Conservatoire du Littoral» (Littoral Conservatory) it's owner, a public administrative establishment under the supervision of the French Minister for Nature Conservation. The City hall supported the executive aspect, facilitating the installation of the exhibition.
The Littoral Conservatory, represented by Marie Le Scanve (site's Coast Guard mediation manager) and her team helped us throughout the process. During the research, they helped us connect with local actors. They facilitated our access to the site and shared their knowledge. When we designed the mediation objects, they gave us direct feedback and were involved in the project.
We worked with the «LAB/Libre Artbître» association (recognized as being in the public interest, which works to maintain and develop arts and crafts in Brittany) to reach talented craftspeople willing to realize the mediation objects. This partnership allowed us to support and encourage the association's missions as well as give them a platform.
During the research phase, we conducted over 40 interviews with local elected citizen, association members etc. All the parties
Global challenges
In today's world, it is important to understand the impact of our actions on the environment. We often hear about global environmental challenges, but it can be difficult to connect with them on a personal level. That's where local action can make a difference. When someone starts to feel concerned about their immediate surroundings, it can help them see the bigger picture and become more aware of the challenges our societies are facing.
For example, our project focuses on the value of water in a particular French landscape and the vital role it plays in ecosystems and animal species. By visiting this area, visitors can gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting clean water and natural flows everywhere else, even in their own communities. We believe that setting an example through a visit experience can inspire other natural protected areas to transition towards sustainability.
Today, we are losing a lot of vocabulary concerning fauna and flora. The youth is becoming less and less in need of using this language. We are reducing fish and birds to one or two generic words. By naming the specific species that are part of the Ploumanac'h Heath, we address the global need to preserve the diversity of our knowledge. It is essential that we preserve this knowledge for future generations and that we inspire them to take action to protect our planet.
For example, our project focuses on the value of water in a particular French landscape and the vital role it plays in ecosystems and animal species. By visiting this area, visitors can gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting clean water and natural flows everywhere else, even in their own communities. We believe that setting an example through a visit experience can inspire other natural protected areas to transition towards sustainability.
Today, we are losing a lot of vocabulary concerning fauna and flora. The youth is becoming less and less in need of using this language. We are reducing fish and birds to one or two generic words. By naming the specific species that are part of the Ploumanac'h Heath, we address the global need to preserve the diversity of our knowledge. It is essential that we preserve this knowledge for future generations and that we inspire them to take action to protect our planet.
Learning transferred to other parties
We are always eager to learn and explore new areas, taking care to protect the natural environment as well as the nearby human community. We have developed a project methodology that has proven to be effective in these contexts. Our success lies in our ability to connect with the local community, which we believe is key to any project's success.
We approach each concept with adaptability in mind. Our methodology is designed to be flexible and adapt to different settings, which has contributed to our projects.
In this project, we incorporated local myths and territorial beliefs. We've found that this approach helps us connect with people on a deeper level and inspire them to take action to protect their environment. By creating a powerful narrative that merges these ancient stories with contemporary ecological concerns, we can make a lasting impact on the community. As legends and tales exist in all territory it is an excellent angle to adapt to a new context and start a conversation.
As a reference, in 2021 we designed a project for the village of Sainte-Croix en Jarez, with the support of Saint-Etienne Métropole, the Cité du Design, and the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat. Throughout a residency, we conceived and delivered an itinerary punctuated by sensory and poetic installations in dialogue with the past and present of the village.
We approach each concept with adaptability in mind. Our methodology is designed to be flexible and adapt to different settings, which has contributed to our projects.
In this project, we incorporated local myths and territorial beliefs. We've found that this approach helps us connect with people on a deeper level and inspire them to take action to protect their environment. By creating a powerful narrative that merges these ancient stories with contemporary ecological concerns, we can make a lasting impact on the community. As legends and tales exist in all territory it is an excellent angle to adapt to a new context and start a conversation.
As a reference, in 2021 we designed a project for the village of Sainte-Croix en Jarez, with the support of Saint-Etienne Métropole, the Cité du Design, and the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat. Throughout a residency, we conceived and delivered an itinerary punctuated by sensory and poetic installations in dialogue with the past and present of the village.
Keywords
Mediation
Littoral
Preservation
Mythologie
Inhabitants
