Aegis
Essay
I often reflect on our relationship with nature and the impact we, as humans, have on our environment. Everywhere around us, we see signs of human influence, and the sand replenishment on the Belgian coast is no exception. This intervention, intended to protect our shores from the rising sea levels caused by climate change, raises questions about how we manage the Earth.
The name "Aegis" — referring to the mythical shield of Athena — symbolizes not only protection but also the struggle and responsibility we bear. The project demonstrates how we, through technology and creativity, attempt to erect a shield against the forces of nature that we have ourselves intensified.
This artificial intervention, where sand is sprayed onto the beaches, is a temporary solution to a problem we have caused. It offers us apparent safety but simultaneously raises the question: How long can we continue devising solutions for the problems we ourselves have created? As we reinforce the coast, we must also ask whether we need to delve deeper into the roots of our ecological crisis and embrace truly sustainable changes. Aegis reminds us that protection is not only about building barriers but also about restoring balance with nature, safeguarding our planet, and ensuring a future for generations to come.