RISING

To rise means to move from a lower position to a higher one. Depending on the context of the word, its meaning can bring either positive or negative change. In this instance, the context is in response to climate change and its consequences. Rise also describes a journey from one place to another. The journey that one would experience within the Miami Design District (MDD) signifies the impacts of climate change in Miami as water levels rise over the land. MDD blocks have been divided and defined as storm categories from level one to five, where native trees are wrapped in a variety of blue muslin fabrics to signify the impacts of rising water levels.Trees are one of our greatest allies and are a powerful and natural resource to positively fight the impacts of climate change. The journey begins in Palm Court, which represents storm Category One. Within this area, trees are wrapped around their lower trunks. As the visitor journeys north, they’ll be immersed “under water” by the time they’ve reached Paradise Plaza. This area represents Category Five, where rows of light blue “wavelike” fabrics are suspended from the trees.

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In rising to the responsibility of creating awareness about the impacts of climate change, it is important to celebrate the diversity and richness of the communities in Miami. Climate gentrification continues to disrupt diversity as large scale developments take over cultured communities. In response to this, the installation in the Jungle Plaza is called Contain. The blue shipping container will include stories, sounds, art and photos of communities on higher ground that are being impacted the most. When we rise we must do so together... in the journey to keep our beloved planet.