The first phase of the project “Seascape Atlas: Mapping the Unheard”, centered on the Port of Rotterdam, has successfully concluded. Led by In-Depth-Space, the project encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together sound artist Colette Aliman of Sound-Office alongside experts in marine science, environmental policy, and spatial planning. 

Through a combination of archival research and field recordings, the project has unveiled new insights, paving the way for a counter-mapping methodology that advocates ‘oceanic thinking’ in coastal spatial planning. This approach amplifies often-overlooked environmental narratives and embraces more-than-human perspectives.

Three foundational pillars of ‘oceanic thinking’ have emerged:

• Deep Time, which contextualizes human activity within vast geological scales.

• Deep Ecology, which emphasizes the intrinsic value of all forms of life.

• Deep Listening, which advocates attunement to the nuanced interplay of environmental sounds and spaces.

Together, these pillars inspire a reimagining of environmental stewardship, shifting away from anthropocentric priorities toward a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems.

By weaving sound and visual art into spatial design, the project employs counter-mapping as an immersive multimedia tool. This innovative approach engages audiences on emotional and intellectual levels, challenging conventional cartographic practices. The aim is to deepen our understanding of oceanic spaces and promote a more inclusive, ecological approach to coastal planning.