I did research on Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and created 4 pieces of infographics with the collated data featuring anthropomorphic characters and a layout inspired by the reserve!
I wanted to take advantage of the fact that the zine is a visual look-book and I decided to personify the senses (excluding sight).
Our seven senses, based on 7 Senses foundation.
I based my individual page format on the idea of having a clear ‘focus’ and a blurred ‘peripheral’ – much like an eye. The circle in the middle, ‘focus’, depicts the best physical impression, and the ‘peripherals’ are expressed through marks that I create based on aspects of the wetland reserve.
Each page is broken down into a single color to convey the idea of isolation and the solitary sense. More about the color choices will be explained under the ‘Color Meanings’ section!
Overall
Page 1: Front Cover (all senses)
Concept: A compilation of all the other senses fused/imposed into a single piece – If you had all your senses, this is what you would see! I wanted to convey the idea of the eye and have the other emotions creeping into the circle of vision.
Execution: The cover is in monochrome to show the all-encompassing nature.
Page 2: If Hearing could See
Concept: In the ‘focus’ circle, I have the image of an edited lily pond because that was the most impressionable sound! My emotions are expressed through the wings – to express the beat, rhythm and lightness of the sounds there. Overall, I also wanted to convey how otherworldly the place looks – therefore making the image feel a little like a moon or little planet!
Execution: I imposed a picture of the lily pond that I took at the wetland reserve and imposed it with the sound waves of a video I took at the pond there. Inspired the wings of the birds and the map of their migratory patterns, I used them to express how the the sounds there have a rhythm that comes and goes when you are in different parts of the nature reserve. The background is also part of the lily pond, but out of focus.
Page 3: If smell could See
Concept: The wetland reserve smelled very thickly – of animal waste, heat and also my exhaustion. Walking alot generates saliva and foam in your mouth and also makes breathing difficult. I felt that the best way to convey that is through mud and water.
Execution: I took a picture from the Visitor’s Center Aquarium for the ‘focus’ circle in the middle – frosted glass effect to show murkiness and crack lines to show even though the environment around me is seemingly crisp and refreshing, experiencing it for yourself is actually kinda harsh. The ‘peripherals’ are from a picture of a mudskipper photo to show the effect of thickness and choking – I’ve used ink and soap foam to mark-make the thick consistency of mud.
Page 4: If touch could See
Concept: The most impressionable experience I had of touch was almost walking into the Golden Orb Spider the size of my palm! The spider makes its web really low so it made me feel a little paranoid throughout my walk – because there was alot of them.
Execution: I took a photo of the Golden Orb Spider that I had and created a pattern out of the shape of the spider, and half-toned to create the paranoia and feeling of ‘there but not there’. I used ropes to feel how I felt super paranoid and confined by my own impression of how tingly and itchy the place made me feel after my encounter with the spider. The ‘peripherals’ are the environment where I found the spider.
Page 5: If balance could See
Concept: The most impressionable feature when it came to balance was the Mid-Canopy walk – it was very jiggly and it gave me motion sickness, but yet it was a really fun walk!
Execution: The photograph in the middle is edited from a Mid-Canopy walk photo. I used motion blur and tried to find the right balance of movement that matched the video I took of my experience on the bridge. To show my motion sickness, I replicated the lines from meandering waters and ripples at the reserve. There is also an imposed falling flower to express how motion sickness causes an illness and causes the sick feeling of wanting to throwing up. Green is also the color of nature/good health but also of sickness.
Page 6: If taste could See
Concept: I based it on the berries I found at Sungei Buloh. Despite being inedible, I imagine that they would taste refreshing and juicy, like the breeze at the reserve. The small little berries seem like they’ll go pop in your mouth – which gave me a sort of crystal/gem-like feeling because they look like tiny treasures.
Execution: To show the gem-like quality, I used the clean, crisp cut of leaves to express the refreshing quality of fresh berries and breeze. This page faces Proprioception, because it’s the only sense that doesn’t help you to perceive a external sense of space, which contrasts with Proprioception.
Page 7: If proprioception (space) could See
Concept: To express proprioception as the sense that controls other senses and a spatial interpreter. I decided to find the place that gave me the best sense of place and made me extremely self-aware of how small I was standing in the wetland reserve.
Execution: The central circle is a manipulated photograph of one of the most stunning shots I have of Sungei Buloh Wetland Research – the open roof of a viewing pod. I chose the roof because it made me feel short and small.
For my feelings, I imitated the outline of the lily pad (rest spot for frogs!) with copic pens – to emulate the small frog-in-well feeling.
Page 8: Back Cover (Absence of senses)
Concept: An amalgamation of my emotions at Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. I wanted to express it as ‘my mind’s eye’ and a party/firework of senses, therefore it’s an abstraction of lines and colors, and does not contain any photos.
Execution: The back cover is created purely out of the previous marks I’ve made for the other senses, on a black background with the stone path texture from Sungei Buloh’s entrance.
Color Meanings (in order of pages)
White: All-encompassing (reflection of all colors when the eye is open)
Yellow: Sense of Hearing (Sharp) Blue: Sense of Smell (Deep) Red: Sense of Touch (Agitation) Green: Sense of Balance (Yellow + Blue = ‘balance’ between the light, uplifting sounds and heavy, drowning scents) Purple: Sense of Taste (Red + Blue = ‘taste’ is only possible through interacting with ‘smell’ and ‘touch’) Orange: Sense of Proprioception (Yellow + Red = ‘hearing’ as the uncontrollable input from the distance, ‘touch’ as the closest self-initiated sensory output) Black: Absence of all colors (Absorbed and devoured by the senses)
Pic of the physical zine!
Feedback
Lecturer’s (Joy) Feedback:
Placement of senses; perhaps place the more common ones first
Put the ideology behind choice of colors on OSS (done!)
Classmates:
Reflection
I think the most difficult part of this project for me was definitely understanding the criteria for this project. I thought I had it in a bag during the first consultation but things didn’t go too smoothly. I’m glad to have found a straightforward direction with ample time to work on the spreads!
This project definitely taught me alot about preparing a good rationale and understanding your own idea fully before starting on your work. :’)
I’m also semi-sad I can’t take anything from Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve for mark-making (or I’ll be fined/arrested)… but I took alot of photos and it was fun recreating the marks!
Introduction to Project 2: Locale (Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve)
I’m incredibly excited and terrified to work on Project 2! I’m worried that my location and research wouldn’t translate to a fun zine, but yet at the same time I’m really hyped about getting to finally work on something outside school and home!
Initially, I picked Little Guilin and did some secondary research on the area but it was alot about rocks, rocks and more rocks. It was a quarry in the past but the actual area of Little Guilin is apparently quite small (I would have loved to do the other abandoned quarries as well if the Little Guilin area included Gammon, Seng Chew, Lian Hup and Poh Hin!). It’s not the only quarry there and it seems that the only big thing it has going for it is how it looks like a little piece of Guilin in China. There are areas that are taped off from the public due to landslides as well in the more recent years, so the trail is short as well. I talked to my friends and my family about the area as well, since they know people living in Bukit Batok and Guilin View, and decided to change my location. It’s a pity since I thought the place was also really cool since it was like a little escape to China but in Bukit Batok heartland, less popular than places like Bukit Batok Nature Reserve.
But that aside, I changed my pick of location to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve during recess week so that I could change to work on living subjects! I can’t remember if I’ve gone there as a kid, but since I LOVED science, animals and nature trails, I was so much more excited about this than when I was working on Little Guilin.
Quick Jump (Content Section)
The post is really long! Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) to do a quick jump to the different sections:
1) First Impressions – SBWR1
2) Secondary Research – SBWR2
3) Primary Research Day 1 – SBWR3
4) Primary Research Day 2 – SBWR4
5) Highlights & Snapshots (Photos) – SBWR4.1
6) Interviews, Observation Research & Surveys – SBWR4.2
7) References – SBWR5
First Impressions (SBWR1)
The first time I went to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, I expected lots of mud and crocodiles but I think I left having quite a different impression of the place now, and am learning a whole bunch more!
I’ve never taken a bus in Kranji and the bus stop is an absolute nightmare.
“Why are there 3 sections at 1 bus stop?”
“Does 925 exist or is it a myth.”
“No uncle I’m not here to go to Malaysia.”
“Total ride is 12 stops. Cool.”
“Got 3 stops left, I’ll stop at the innermost one and walk in.” “Wow beautiful flyover sia.”
“There’s only a car path.” “How to walk.”
“Will I get run over first or walk to death.”
“Many bikes that I can’t cycle.”
“The two other bus stops will forever remain a mystery.”
Secondary Research (SBWR2)
So why is Sungei Buloh worth it? I did my secondary research first:
1) What exactly is Sungei Buloh? • As a mangrove and mudflat, it’s unique to countries that sit smack near/on the Equator like Singapore.
• It is one of the only 2 mangrove/mudflat in Singapore, other than Pasir Ris Park. Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve places an emphasis on preserving and educating. Pasir Ris Park places emphasis on recreational and family activities. (different amenities e.g. BBQ)
• Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve is also recognized as an international migratory site for birds.
2) Unique Timeline & Activities
• Birdwatching (Between September to March)
• …to find out more on my primary research!
3) Friendly Educational Amenities & Facilities
• Viewing Pods
• Visitor Centre
• Boardwalks (Mangrove, Coastal, etc)
• Junior Adventure Trail
• Mid Canopy Walk
• Public Toilets (Placed in places who want to have visitors; or for kids actually)
• Information Boards
4) Organized Activities & Resources • Brochures
• Official Nparks website
• Live Camera on Nparks site to watch animals (e.g. Otters, Grey Heron, Civet Cat and more)
• E-newsletters
• Sungei Buloh Activity Worksheets (for Primary/Secondary school students)
• Organized Walks
• Bird-viewing sessions by Singapore Bird Group
Organized Walks by Nparks: (8 activities span of 1 month, all weekends only)
• What’s in my sky? (Guided walk for native birds and migratory birds) (31 Mar, 17 Mar)
• What’s in my mud? (Guided walk featuring our lesser known creatures of the mudflats) (24 Mar, 7 Apr)
• What’s in my water? (Guided walk along water edges to learn about water life) (14 Apr)
• Paint Along Session (Learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh) (25 Mar)
• Fish and prawn harvesting demonstration (24 Mar)
Guided walk (In Mandarin) (24 Mar)
Note: Private guides are also available for hire. Emails for guides are provided on NParks website.
• 3.15PM: Entered the nature reserve. It smells slightly damp but there’s alot of fresh air in the open area.
I’ve met the cutest mascot in all of mascot history.
I’ve been waiting all day for something to come out but I only hear aliens.
• 3.35PM: Visited the air-conditioned Visitor’s Centre and also a small, air-conditioned booth beside the Visitor’s Centre that had preserved animals in jars and a staff. The Visitor’s Centre is not tended. Both facilities were in pristine condition!
• 3.50PM: Left for Coastal Trail. • 4.49PM: Smells really damp, nutty and like mushrooms during my walk over the Mid Canopy Walk. The bridge is very jiggly but really strong.
•5.15PM: Walked around 1.5km so far, back and forth the Mid-Canopy walk and the start of the Coastal Trail to get photos.
At this point, I can’t hear much anymore because my ears are clogged from the hike. I started recording some videos instead.
I saw some gorgeous herons flying over the waters at Coastal Trail but they ducked behind some trees and I couldn’t get a photo. 🙁
5 gorgeous plants and 1 creepy one that I don’t want to be around for too long.
• 5.30PM: Started drizzling so I started turning back towards the entrance. Surprisingly, not much rain got onto me because of the tall trees arching over the path.
• 6.15PM: Saw a wild boar family of 2-3 having dinner near the entrance/bus-stop of Sungei Buloh. What a great way to end the hike!
I’m actually surprised I saw some boars and birds! I wasn’t expecting much at all since I’ve been to a couple of other nature parks/reserves in Japan and Malaysia – animals hide away during rainy weather. Thank you, animal friends. 🙂
Since I didn’t cover much ground on the first day and didn’t get my interviews and polls yet, I decided to go for a second day on a Saturday – so that I can sign myself up for one of these weekend walks and pull a friend from WKW along to get healthy together.
Thankfully, I managed to score myself a spot for the walk! (Registration was full and closed on the 10th.)
I made a phonecall immediately to ask for permission for an interview but apparently the guided walks are run by volunteers! I couldn’t get their number to ask for permission since due to privacy issues, and the staff advised that I asked on the day itself.
Onward to my 2nd trip to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve! This time, I brought a friend along and we took 925 directly from Choa Chu Kang at around 7.20AM.
What better way to spend a nice Saturday morning than trekking with a friend? 😀
• 8.00AM: Entered the nature reserve from the New Visitor’s Centre and had a quick breakfast with friend.
• 8.30AM: Slow walk to the meeting location. Took photos, talked to people and encountered many elderly from North West Brisk Walking Club.
So many aunties and uncles; I felt like a salmon swimming upstream. (- ω -、)
If you’re looking for crazy big bugs, there’s a spider the size of your hand right here in Sungei Buloh. It’s called the Golden Orb Spider and they make their webs really low. I’m glad I’m born short.
• 9.30AM: Started ‘What’s in my sky’ bird-watching walk with my group. Our guide is Mr. Azmi Mohamed, a volunteer. (Participant Observation)
Thank you for the wonderful insight, Mr. Azmi! 🙂
• 10.30AM/11.00AM: Conducted interviews with my guide and guided walk participants. Also observed demographics and activities along the way as Saturday, 10.30AM is the peak period for visitors- according to my guide.
The return of the danger croc signs.
Also, I do notice some clear differences in sights and sounds at different points of day/year:
-Best time for watching birds is at 7.30AM (Info from Mr. Azmi)
-Frogs are most frequent before/after rain; can hear them at the pond near the New Visitation Centre
-Crocodiles are most visible/frequent during low tide. They are still there at high tide but are less visible. Look twice at a piece of driftwood – it might be a croc!
• 1.00PM: Interviews with visitors, exploring the rest of the nature reserve and water breaks
• 3.00PM: Left the nature reserve.
At this point, I think it really hit me how much our locals care for our own landscape. This inspired me as well to see this beyond just an info-graphics/zine project. The care the staff had for what they were doing really made me really care for the location I’ve chosen as well. I started wanting to think about the different ways that would make others care for my location as well, and will be doing my best to incorporate my findings and feelings into my info-graphics.
Highlights & Snapshots (SBWR4.1)
Golden Orb Spider on the path near the entrance
Bats sleeping under a roof (You can find them by looking for droppings on floors under roofs!)
Watching the different types of egrets during ‘What’s in my sky’ guided walk
Spot the croc! (I didn’t notice the crocodile was there til I went through my photos ;u;)
A view of Malaysia from the nature reserve!
Map of the migratory path of birds
Interviews & Surveys (SBWR4.2)
Interviews with visitors (and volunteer) at SBWR: The following are the interview questions that I drafted out before I went on my second trip to Sungei Buloh.
During the interviews, I decided to cut it down to 4 questions (circled in the above image) and occassionally sneak in additional questions if I manage to get them into a talking mood. I had two sets of questions – one for visitors and one for the staff.
Unfortunately, I was only able to use the second set of questions for Mr. Azmi since he was a volunteer. I went to the staff at the Visitor’s Center and they informed me that while they had received my email and call earlier in the week, but they needed alot more time to request for permission for any sort of interview. Fortunately, I managed to get insight from a volunteer and he offered to help connect me to the Deputy Director as well – which was extremely nice of him! (;-;)
Onwards to interview/soundbites!
A Volunteer’s Insight:
(I recorded the sound as well with my phone!)
Some interviews with visitors:
My chinese cannot (;-;) I’m glad to have a friend… even though our 中文不行….
It’s… alot of feet.
I decided to interview some of them in groups of 2-4 as well so that they wouldn’t run away – alot of them came to Sungei Buloh for some peace and quiet, so they wanted to remain anonymous. They were mostly receptive to a voice interview but wouldn’t agree to a video one.
Thanks to the people at Sungei Buloh for the interviews! 🙂
E-Interview with Deputy Director of SBWR:
I’ve managed to get an e-interview with Yang Shufen, Deputy Director of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as well after my trip to the wetland reserve. After interviewing/chatting with visitors of the nature reserve, it’s a very interesting insight! The following is the e-interview:
Observation Research (32 people):
I first observed and counted the demographic within peak hour on Saturday morning (10AM – 11AM) near the Visitor’s Centre.
1) Breakdown by Age
• 0-14 years (Children): 3 (9%)
• 15-25 years (Teenagers/Young Adults): 4 (13%)
• 25-55 (Adults): 15 (47%)
• Over 55 (Elderly): 10 (31%)
2) Breakdown by Locals/Non-Locals
• Locals: 18
• Foreigners: 14
Survey (30 people):
After that, I conducted a single-question physical survey.
Q. Have you gone to Sungei Buloh before?
• Yes, multiple times: 5
• Yes, only once: 14
• No: 11
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Thank you so much to all the staff and visitors of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve! (I had such a wonderful time there!)
• A Thai Visitor at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/mygreenspace/issue-03-vol-3-2009/conservation/a-thai-visitor-at-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve
• Little Day Out: https://www.littledayout.com/2017/04/04/5-essentials-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-tidal-ponds/
• Nparks (Register for tours, flora and fauna web, newsletters & other resources): https://www.nparks.gov.sg/
• Launch of wireless learning (2007): https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2007/8/nparks-launches-wireless-learning-trail–sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-first-of-its-kind-in-the-region
• EcologyAsia: http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/sungei-buloh.htm
• Primary School MOE Walks: http://woodlandspri.moe.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/58-2017-Field-Trip-To-Sungei-Buloh-Wetland-Reserve.pdf
• History of Sungei Buloh: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_566_2005-02-01.html
• Saving Sungei Buloh: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/saving-sungei-buloh
• Otters mobbing a crocodile: https://mothership.sg/2017/03/close-up-video-show-otters-confronting-crocodile-at-sungei-buloh-by-mobbing-it/
• Nature Society (Birdwatching on 15 April): https://www.nss.org.sg/events.aspx?id=qpwm84I9MYI=&group_id=yclleUod3WM=
• 4.49PM: Smells really damp, nutty and like mushrooms during my walk over the Mid Canopy Walk. The bridge is very jiggly but really strong.
