Rick Chen recently revealed designs for a proposed tourist center that would force visitors to focus on nature or else risk their life trying to take the perfect selfie.
Rick Chen came up with the idea for this unusual visitor center after observing many tourists trying to capture Instagram-worthy photos instead of paying attention to the beauty of nature. To combat this habit, Chen came up with the design for a installation that would force visitors to focus on nature instead of their smartphones. The installation would consist of a narrow platform overlooking a Norwegian fjord. The entire platform would be flooded with water, save for a small pathway leading to an observation point. If visitors stop to take a selfie along the path they could be putting their life at risk.
While Chen's approach may seem over-the-top, his designs ultimately demonstrate an effort to reshape how modern consumers relate to nature. As Chen explains, "It's all about placing ourselves rightfully in relation to nature, where us people are truly small and vulnerable beings amongst something far above and beyond."
What's Driving This Trend
- Nature-focused Tourism
- Designing tourist centers that encourage visitors to focus on nature rather than technology.
- Smartphone Addiction Awareness
- Creating installations or experiences that highlight the dangers of smartphone distraction in natural settings.
- Reshaping Consumer-nature Connection
- Developing innovative approaches to help consumers appreciate the beauty of nature and their place within it.
Who This Affects Most
- Tourism
- Adapting tourist centers and attractions to promote a nature-focused experience for visitors.
- Technology
- Creating tools or apps that raise awareness about smartphone addiction and its impact on nature tourism.
- Environmental Conservation
- Collaborating with designers and architects to build installations that foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural environment.
