Plastic monument

The Plastic Sanctuary is a symbolic space that attracts a visitor and grabs his or her attention. The design uses two colors - black and white - to emphasise its message. The outer part that attracts and draws the visitor closer is black. It is made of hanging black strings that create a vail-like structure. The white inner part shines through it and encourages the visitor to immerse him or herself into the monument. Initially one feels curiosity but after a few steps towards the center of the structure one starts to feel anxiety. The black strings that surround him or her all around create an unsettling space, where it is difficult to feel a connection with the outer world. The touch of the plastic strings and muffled sounds from outside make one feel uneasy. Finally one reaches the white circular structure in the center of the monument where he or she can feel hope and relief. Inside of the structure there are two screens made of plastic slabs. On the one side there are displayed photos and texts showing the advantages of plastic and its crucial role in the development of today's society. It shows how plastic helps in the fields like medicine or humanitarian relief. On the other wall the consequences of irresponsible usage of plastic, such as beaches and seas covered in plastic and landfills filled with it, are displayed . Both sides present scientific data showing the numbers of how much plastic is used in which field and why. The visitors may participate in the exhibition by sending their photos, texts and movies to an instagram account of the monument. The best works would be shared there and later displayed on the walls of the monument. Having an account would be a way to reach out to more people and encourage them to consider how plastic affects our lives and what are the consequences of excessive usage of it. It would also create an accessible platform for discussion and sharing the knowledge of better waste management.