Shellsphere

What is the Shellsphere?
In different locations in the UK the National Trust created in partnership with Panasonic the ‘Shellsphere’ last summer (August, 2015). They set up an interactive beach by using technology to recreate the sounds, smells, sights and tastes of the sea coast. It is all part of a new way of expierence. You can experience the seacoast inside an giant seashell where you can sit back and relax. Aromas of seaweed, caves, salty sea air and rocks will be released throughout the installation of the big shell. For the total experience they use the sounds of waves, seagulls and  interior lighting. The National Trust’s wildlife and countryside ranger Gwen Potter said: ‘We’re hoping the Shellsphere will trigger people’s love of the coast and encourage them to explore the great UK coastline this summer and beyond’ (G. Potter, 2015).

 by Andy Fallon PhotographyFollowing research revealing that over half (58 per cent) of adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have not had a day trip to the coast in the last 12 months, the National Trust has today embarked on a mission to help the nation reconnect with the seaside by bringing the coast to urban areas across the UK with a full coastal sensory experience in the form of a giant shell. The ‘Shellsphere’ washed up this morning at London’s Southbank and is due to refresh the people of Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Belfast over the coming weeks. The charity is asking the nation to share their memories and love of the coast using #lovethecoast.

What makes the Shellsphere cool?
A study research in the UK reveals that the numbers of visitors of the seacoast had fallen by 20%. The touring Shellsphere will help to reconnect people to the beauty of the seaside. When you live in a city far away from the seacoast, you probably  wont go to the beach as much as you would like to. By placing these shells in different cities people will experience the ‘sea-feeling’, which can improve your Quality of Life. It can be from added value for a city that doesn’t have a beach and where people would love to visit one. Nowadays people are very busy and have little time to do fun stuff, like going to the beach. The Shellsphere can be a solution of this problem by bringing the fun stuff to the people. Your Quality of Life will be improved by sitting in the shell and you can enjoy the sounds and smells of the seacoast and maybe even a little mindfulness session?!

Conclusion
This idea is cool because it will help people to relax and they have the possibility to take a moment for themselves.  The Shellsphere is for people who don’t have the time for going to the beach but who still want to have some time to relax. By experiencing the Shellsphere you might even go faster to the seacoast to clear your mind or just to experience the seacoast.  

Sources
L.McQuarrie. (2015). This Beach Setup Uses Technology to Transport People to the Coast. Geraadpleegd op 14 november 2015 van, http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beach-setup

K.Deighton. (2015). National Trust partners with Panasonic for gians shell installation. Geraadpleegd op 14 november 2015 van, http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/national-trust-partners-panasonic-giant-shell-installation/brands/article/1360136

Admin. (2015). Days out at the coast decline by 20% in just a decade according to new report by the National Trust. Geraadpleegd op 14 november 2015 van, http://www.aboutmanchester.co.uk/national/days-out-at-the-coast-decline-by-20-in-just-a-decade-according-to-new-report-by-the-national-trust/

#ExperienceintheProduct #Wonderlust #Leisure