Ocean and Surf City: marine life true to scale
While they cover 71% of the earth’s surface, oceans often remain mysterious places. Biarritz’s Ocean and Surf City provides the keys to understanding this universe better. The complex was opened on 25th June this year in the presence of Jean-Louis Chaussade, chief executive of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT, a major partner of the site.
“Museums? They’re dusty old places where I just get fed up!”, children sometimes complain. Philippe Vidal, the exhibition coordinator, had no intention of allowing the new facility in Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) to be seen as a traditional museum.
Situated south of the town, Ocean and Surf City presents the ocean as a complex and fragile environment that deserves to be protected. It is an educational, scientific and fun place where visitors can learn about all aspects of ocean life, especially its role as the partner of humanity. Descending into a trench – the Gouf de Capbreton – getting caught in a storm or controlling the tides like an orchestra conductor… the interactive tour allows everyone to enjoy new experiences.
An innovative building
“Under the sky, under the ocean” is the architectural concept applied by New Yorker Steven Holl. As a result, three quarters of the 2,600 square metre area is buried below ground, while on the outside the curved roof affords a view of the ocean. As for the content, creativity is a must. Backed by a scientific committee ensuring the educational quality of the information, Philippe Vidal and Yves Ollier, the designer, decided to create a world that was both fun and innovative in which the public must never be passive Visitors therefore become participants in the stories presented to them.
Visitors at the heart of the exhibits
Touch screens, wraparound screens, high definition and 3D documentary films… Ocean City uses all these new technologies to achieve its aim of allowing people to understand and appreciate the marine environment. The ocean is shown as a living being that is born and dies, with its mood swings and secrets. “Finding the right way to transfer knowledge is essential. Young audiences are also key: we need to convey to them a love for the ocean, so that they will protect it”, explains Philippe Vidal. Visitors start by witnessing the birth of the ocean, after which they become masters of their journey.
With 150 previously unseen films and immersive experiences, Ocean and Surf City will undoubtedly captivate visitors. It is also the only place in the world to show a squid in captivity … albeit virtually. Philippe Vidal guarantees that the difference with reality is imperceptible: “Cameras capture the movements of the public and transmit them directly to the animal, which then reacts. You can watch the squid for 4 hours and never see the same thing twice!”
A living Ocean City
While it may be impossible to say everything there is to say about the ocean and its resources, the Ocean City has been designed to allow for constant updating as knowledge about the ocean develops and new discoveries are made. Visitors will never be bored. “I should warn you that this is not a theme park either, points out Philippe Vidal. What really counts is that people understand the experiences and acquire knowledge!”
This policy is perfectly in line with SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT’s global commitment to ensuring the sustainable protection of ecosystems in the fields of drinking water, wastewater treatment and waste management. Convinced that information and awareness-building efforts must be increased to ensure that greater consideration is given to the environment and biodiversity in all human actions, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT has therefore decided to give its active support to Ocean and Surf City and to the development of the museum of the sea in Biarritz, not only by providing funding but also by contributing the skills of its teams and its experience, commitment and know-how. SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT therefore offers visitors the chance to discover a desalination unit installed at the heart of an education area. A first in France. The sea and the oceans are essential for the development of life on Earth so this partnership makes a significant contribution to a global reflection on the future of water.
Photo credits: © Garcia Laurent
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