South Korea pays homage to oceans and coasts by opening the Yeosu Expo 2012 with the slogan: “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities”. Spain names its exhibit “Spain Explores”, calling attention to its unrivaled tradition of geographical exploration and scientific discovery.
The project’s mission is to showcase Spain’s nautical discoveries by turning a didactic exhibit into a sensory experience that aims to go to the heart of the visitor. The exhibition project consists of 4 main stages:
1. In the entrance hall, the sea routes pioneered by Spanish voyagers are shown and explained to the visitor.
2. The central space shows three key moments in Spanish seafaring: respectively, Colombo’s, Malaspina’s, and Malaspina 2010’s expeditions.
3. The key area in the project is the Deep Ocean. The visitors will enter a space that is lit up with samples containing water collected at a depth of 5000m. The shape of the samples is reminiscent of the tubes used by the Malaspina 2010 Expedition. This recent circumnavigation carried out by the Hesperides crew has allowed scientists to collect important data concerning the seas across the Earth. In this area, Hesperides’ samples become more complex, turning into hi-tech glazed amphorae which generate a sort of abyssal topography. One of the key features of this experience is the projected mapping, which gives vitality to part of the installation by showing the vibrating water. Thus, Hesperides’ scientific research finally turns into a liquid luminescent landscape that recalls the abyss.
4. In the last room, a Dymaxion 11m map presents Hesperides’ discoveries. Once more, the enclosed water is the generative and informative pixel within the installation.
The pavilion intends to present its contributions and proposals for the future in response to the problems and threats that global warming represents for the marine environment. This new multinational gathering will provide an excellent opportunity to reassert Spain’s commitment to maintaining the balance and sustainability of marine ecosystems. Expo Yeosu 2012 offers Spain the perfect platform to strengthen its ties with South Korea and to show the Korean people its latest scientific, technological, and cultural trends.
