HavObservatoriet

HavObservatoriet was an inquiry into new ways of interpreting and visualising the physical processes that impact on behaviours and dynamics of ocean waves. The project constructed a physical ocean observatory that digitally simulates the wave dynamics of the oceans surrounding Denmark in real time, using real time ocean forecast data supplied by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Each geographic position of spectral data simulates the amplitude of waves at every wavelength and in every direction as one single circular image that envelops the viewer in a combined statistical model of the behaviour of the sea surface. The project is constructed as a permanent circular open-air ‘wave observatory’ in Vejle Klima Park, a landscaped harbour area, designed to protect the city of Vejle against flooding. The observatory creates a public space within the park, sheltered from the wind and connected to the power of the ocean. The project converts the spectral data into an animated simulation of the ocean surface which is rendered using a non-photorealistic particle-based rendering system. The panoramic image of the sea that surrounds the viewer is displayed at 1:1 scale: a one-meter-high wave will appear one meter high in the observatory. Because the screen wraps around the viewer, a wave approaching from one direction will ‘wash’ over the observatory and disappear in the opposite direction. HavObservatoriet was developed in collaboration with Joshua Portway and Jean Bidlot, Senior Scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and further supported by Matthieu Chevallier, Head of Evaluation at ECMWF. It was the first of a series of artworks commissioned by Vejle Municipality and The Danish Art Foundation with a focus on water as a future challenge and potential. The project was supported by regional renewal funds of the Danish Social and Housing Authority and Sheffield Hallam University.