Scarce City challenges perceptions of scarcity and sufficiency through an immersive journey into Doughnut Economics

Come January 11, 2025, the National Gallery Singapore will host an event that promises to redefine the intersection of art, technology, and climate consciousness. Scarce City, the brainchild of interdisciplinary climate artist Elizabeth Mak, offers a revolutionary arts-meets-tech experience that challenges participants to reconsider their relationship with resources and the environment.

Known for her work on Broadway and international stages, Mak brings her theatrical and multimedia design expertise to this ambitious project.

With sessions capped at 20 participants each, this immersive initiative combines serious gaming and theatre, underpinned by Mak’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics theory, Scarce City invites participants into a 3D-printed world of recycled plastic, where light-based resource management gameplay unfolds. 

Over 4,000 pieces of recycled PET bottles form a striking 3D-printed environment inspired by Singapore’s Little Guilin rock quarry. Participants navigate a meticulously designed light-based game that mirrors the complexities of real-world resource management.

As they engage, four generational “voices” interject, offering historical and contextual insights that provoke reflection. At the heart of the experience is a profound question: What does it mean to have enough? 

This existential inquiry invites participants to contemplate how societal narratives of scarcity shape behaviours, policies, and personal choices. Player decisions influence the game’s outcomes, mirroring real-life dynamics where individual actions ripple into broader societal impacts.

Reflection and dialogue

What sets Scarce City apart is its emphasis on post-game reflection. Participants must draw parallels between their in-game decisions and real-world environmental challenges. Facilitated discussions delve into the psychological underpinnings of scarcity and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

This synthesis of play and critical thinking fosters an environment where participants can internalise complex issues in an approachable yet impactful way.

The project’s innovative use of recycled materials underscores its commitment to sustainability. Mak collaborated with the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to develop and print the installation. Using rPET filament — a sustainable material from recycled plastic — demonstrates creativity can thrive within ecological constraints.

The immersive sculpture, refined over three design iterations, aligns with global sustainability goals while maintaining aesthetic and experiential excellence. The project exemplifies how art can be a vessel for meaningful environmental advocacy.

Scarce City’s creation is also a testament to collaborative innovation. A team of engineers, game developers, artists, and educators contributed to its multifaceted approach. From the intricate 3D printing techniques led by additive manufacturing engineer Hui Yijian to the post-game learning design helmed by sustainability educator Dr Tricia Seow, every element of the experience reflects a dedication to pushing boundaries.

A timely conversation

Scarce City’s launch coincides with several significant anniversaries. As Singapore approaches its 60th year of independence and the National Gallery Singapore celebrates its 10th anniversary, the project serves as a timely reflection on the nation’s journey. It invites participants to reconsider their understanding of progress and the advancements necessary for a sustainable future.

Aligned with the Light to Night Festival 2025 and Singapore Art Week 2025, the event integrates seamlessly into the city’s cultural landscape. It underscores the role of the arts in shaping societal narratives and advocating for a humane, sustainable future.

Tickets for Scarce City are available now at scarce-city.rainshadowstudios.org. Prices range from S$28 for group bookings to S$35 for standard tickets, including booking fees. The exhibition runs from January 11, 2025, at the Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore. For those eager to engage in a transformative experience, Scarce City is an opportunity to explore the psychological, societal, and environmental dimensions of scarcity and sufficiency, leaving participants with reflections that linger well beyond the gallery walls.