The first step is awareness. Awareness of the dramatic SEA-CHANGE which has already taken place. For the most part, the «original» edge has been lost and/or reconfigured. With a few important exceptions, remnants of the «original» edge that remain in contact with water are not generally publicly accessible. However, a large portion of this lost edge is encountered daily, by thousands of people, without their being aware of it. This is hardly surprising, given that for most of its length, the water is not visible or even a consideration. If you look closely however (and know where to look), the imprint of the lost edge has been marked upon the fabric of the city. This marking has been inadvertent, more the result of timing and the intricacies of legal survey statutes than to any collective desire. It provides is with an opportunity. It is in this context that this proposition must be considered.
Site
The entire length of shoreline that existed prior to the arrival of the railway during the later part of the nineteenth century.
Purpose
Confrontation: Collectively we must confront the impact that our present form of development has on our environment.
Rules
-300 mm wide (width of average human foot - the unit of contact standing on the shoreline) continuous blue line marking the mean high tide level of the «original» shoreline.
-The line marks the intersection of constructed surfaces with a vertical projection of the pre-existing edge.
-The line does not occur at truly natural surfaces.
-The line does not discriminate. All cultural and socio-economic groups are affected equally.
-Private property is affected in the same manner as public property.
-Interior spaces of dwelling units are exempted from these requirements.
This line is constructed using non-toxic, bio-degradable, water soluble paint manufactured to slowly fade away over a several month period.
-The line is repainted by local school children as part of neighbourhood festivals held annually on a new statutory holiday corresponding with the new or full moon nearest the vernal equinox (occasion of the highest spring tides).
(From official publication)
