Image: https://www.cleantechalliance.org/member/washington-state-university/

by Alanis Rodriguez & Daisy Mora, Washington State University by the Department of Interior Design

Acknowledgement

The clash of two worlds unfolds, with one firmly grounded while the other remains in denial. Avatar serves as a powerful symbol of the ideological struggle between the exploitative, industrialized human society and the harmonious, nature-centered perspective of the Na'vi. This paper explores how these spatial designs reinforce the overarching themes of colonialism and exploitation, offering insights into space, identity, and power, while illuminating the film's critique of colonial practices and ecological destruction.

Colonialism and Exploitation

To fully grasp the themes of colonialism and exploitation, we must first analyze the narrative presented in the film Avatar, which critiques cultural suppression and marginalization. A notable historical event that illustrates this is the "Discovery of the New World," when Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, “discovered” what we now refer to as America. However, it is important to remember that the land was already inhabited by Native Americans, who were tragically regarded as an insignificant race due to their differing beliefs, culture, and intelligence. Despite being the original inhabitants of America, they have for centuries been denied the justice they rightfully deserve.

Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people's struggle against environmental degradation in Nigeria serves as a powerful example of colonialism and exploitation. The Ogoni, an Indigenous minority group, faced systemic racism from Royal Dutch/Shell Oil and discrimination from local elites receiving help from oil extraction. This exploitation led to the destruction of their lands and waters through massive, ongoing oil spills in the Niger Delta since 1958. Despite Saro-Wiwa’s efforts to bring global attention to this "slow violence," including drawing parallels to international cases like Ecuadorian lawsuits against Texaco-Chevron, the lack of immediate spectacle, such as the imagery of oiled wildlife, hindered widespread awareness. Saro-Wiwa sought to highlight the long-term consequences of environmental exploitation, but his activism resulted in his execution in 1995 on false charges. His story underscores the enduring consequences of resource-driven colonial practices and the violent suppression of Indigenous resistance. (Adamson 2012).

These examples effectively illustrate the struggles faced by the Na’vi and the destruction of their homes for profit, rather than preserving the environment and its inherent life. Pandora endured significant devastation following the humans' destruction of the Tree of Souls, with half of the jungle incinerated, causing immense suffering not only for the Na’vi but also for the animals that inhabited that ecosystem.

Cycle of exploitation

Now, we see that films often write the future as highly technical and futuristic worlds where humans and even alien species are "upgraded" to new forms. Yet, these narratives frequently center on a dying Earth, desperate for resources from distant planets to survive. This mirrors the colonial mindset, where exploitation of land and people become inevitable in the pursuit of power and progress. History repeats itself, as humans remain locked in a cycle of exploitation, driven by the survival instinct to reach the top at all costs.

As we see in Avatar, this cycle is vividly portrayed through humanity’s quest for unobtanium—a resource essential to saving Earth. However, the mission to obtain it transforms into a full-scale colonization of Pandora, disregarding the profound harm inflicted on the Na’vi, the environment, and Pandora’s creatures. As Schuller (2013) notes, Avatar uses sentimental cinema to immerse viewers in Jake Sully’s transformation, making them empathize with his experience of becoming Na’vi while perpetuating the same colonial logic it critiques. Jake’s occupation of a Na’vi body symbolizes the consumption of Indigenous cultures as resources, much like humanity’s exploitation of Pandora itself. This sentimental framing echoes historical colonial practices, where Indigenous people and their lands were viewed as static resources to be "animated" or revitalized for the benefit of colonizers. Ultimately, Avatar critiques the cycle of exploitation while simultaneously benefiting from it, reflecting the contradictions of both its plot and production. Schuller (2013).

Resistance and Resilience

Colonialism and exploitation invariably inspire rebellion and resistance. The themes of defiance and resilience are intricately woven into both the narrative and visual elements, particularly in the Na'vi people's struggle against human colonization. The Na'vi, the indigenous inhabitants of Pandora, courageously defend their land against the detrimental actions of the human corporation RDA, which aims to exploit the planet’s resources. This conflict symbolizes not only a physical resistance but also a cultural one, as the Na'vi endeavor to safeguard their spiritual connection to the environment. Jake Sully's transformation—from an outsider to a dedicated protector of Pandora—epitomizes this narrative of resilience, showcasing his adaptability and determination in the face of external pressures, mirroring the Na'vi’s own fight for survival.

Pandora is depicted with exaggerated natural landscapes that evoke a sense of wonder, deepening the viewers' emotional connection to the world. According to Hwang and Cho (2021), the film's enhanced natural patterns amplify its emotional impact, underscoring the Na'vi's unwavering connection to their surroundings and their determination to prevent its destruction. This vibrant, immersive environment reflects the strength of the Na'vi as they resist the human invaders.

Furthermore, the Na'vi's ability to overcome the technological superiority of the RDA by using their profound understanding of Pandora’s ecosystem highlights their resilience and ingenuity. Both the plot and visual storytelling in Avatar intertwine to emphasize the importance of preserving nature and cultural heritage, even in the face of exploitation. The film serves as a powerful allegory for real-world struggles surrounding environmental conservation and the defense of indigenous rights, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences (Hwang & Cho, 2021). Through their resistance and resilience, the Na'vi exemplify the ongoing global efforts to protect the environment and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples.

Creation and connection

Creation allows the human mind to imagine worlds that seem otherworldly yet remain deeply rooted. In Avatar, James Cameron intricately weaves elements of Earth’s natural world into the design of Pandora, creating a sense of connection and familiarity. The flora and fauna of Pandora mirror Earth’s ecosystems, as shown in the study’s table of patterns. For instance, the symmetry observed in Pandora’s creatures aligns with the basic structural features of animal bodies on Earth, which facilitate movement and the development of nervous systems. Similarly, fractal patterns in Pandora’s forests echo the diffusion-optimized structures in Earth's trees, designed to transport fluids efficiently.

Cameron also incorporates recognizable patterns such as the Fibonacci sequence, evident in the spiral structures of plants like the Helicoradian. These patterns are not only scientifically grounded but also visually striking, amplifying viewers’ appreciation of nature’s intrinsic beauty. This blending of familiar and exaggerated elements bridges the gap between the imaginary and the real, drawing on Earth’s natural order to make Pandora feel both extraordinary and relatable.

Additionally, the chaotic patterns of clouds and waterfalls on Pandora resemble those found on Earth. These features combine to create various natural shapes, and Pandora's ecology exhibits several patterns like those on our planet. This is illustrated in Table 1. (see Table 1).

*Figure 2: Patterns found on both Earth and Pandora*

The parallels between Pandora’s ecology and Earth extend beyond aesthetics, reflecting humanity’s historical and ongoing relationship with nature. For example, the glowing bioluminescence of Pandora’s flora resembles real-world organisms like deep-sea creatures that emit light in darkness. This feature not only adds visual splendor but also underscores the adaptive ingenuity of life, offering a speculative lens into how ecosystems might evolve under different conditions.

By amplifying natural patterns, Avatar evokes a sense of wonder while subtly critiquing humanity’s exploitation of similar ecosystems on Earth. The connection to Earth’s patterns serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within our own environment, challenging audiences to reflect on their role in preserving it. Through this lens, Avatar becomes a call to action, urging humanity to reconsider its approach to nature—both as stewards of the present and as visionaries of a sustainable future.

Control, Industrialization, and Exploitation

Humans are portrayed as the antagonists in the movie, much like in other films such as Escape from Planet Earth, the classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and Alien. While this might seem straightforward, a deeper analysis reveals that these portrayals critique humanity’s tendency to exploit and dominate. In Alien, for instance, humans knowingly invade a territory inhabited by dangerous creatures, which respond with hostility. In contrast, the Na'vi in Avatar are passive and welcoming, initially open to coexistence. This contrast exposes humanity’s persistent view of other beings—whether alien or Indigenous—as obstacles or resources to be subdued and exploited. The stark difference in these portrayals reinforces the recurring critique of human colonial and industrial practices in cinema.

*Figure 3: Jake arrives at Hell’s Gate, the Human Base in Pandora*

The antiseptic, frozen, and purely functional areas inhabited by humans in Avatar embody their colonial mindset, firmly grounded in the belief that land and resources exist solely for extraction and profit. These environments, with no organic or plausible connection to nature, stand in sharp contrast to the Na'vi's vibrant, living spaces. The Na'vi's organic architecture, rooted in sustainability and harmony, reflects a worldview of "existing within" nature rather than controlling it. As Kyla Schuller points out, Avatar immerses viewers in Jake Sully’s transformation into a Na’vi to generate sympathy, yet this narrative perpetuates colonial fantasies by positioning Indigenous spaces and bodies as resources to revitalize Western protagonists. These dynamic parallels historical patterns of exploitation, where Indigenous peoples and their lands were commodified for colonizers’ gain, further underscoring the critique of environmental degradation and human industrialism.

This dichotomy also serves as an ethical argument for sustainable design. The Na'vi’s integrated and naturalized spaces exemplify an alternative approach—one that values development without destruction, prioritizing ecological balance and spiritual connection. In contrast, humans' sterile and detached buildings symbolize environmental degradation and the loss of cultural meaning. As Schuller (2013) analysis suggests, the film uses emotional immersion to expose viewers to the consequences of industrialism, while simultaneously challenging audiences to reflect on their own participation in such exploitative systems. By presenting the Na'vi’s spaces as both aesthetically and ethically superior, Avatar critiques industrialism and colonialism while offering a vision of sustainability that celebrates coexistence with the environment.

Harmony, Nature, and Resistance

The Na'vi people of Pandora embody a worldview rooted in harmony with nature, which stands in stark contrast to the humans' exploitative and industrial mindset. This connection to the natural world defines the Na'vi’s identity, values, and means of resistance against colonial forces. For the Na'vi, the environment is not just a backdrop but a living entity, intertwined with their culture and spirituality. Their sacred sites, such as the Tree of Souls and Hometree, symbolize this deep interdependence. These spaces are not only physical locations but also centers of spiritual and communal significance, where the Na'vi commune with their deity, Eywa, and celebrate their interconnectedness with all life. This worldview underscores the Na'vi’s belief that their survival depends on maintaining balance and respecting the land—a perspective that sharply contrasts with the human colonizers' view of Pandora as a resource to exploit.

The resistance is deeply tied to their environment, as it provides both the physical terrain for guerrilla tactics and the ideological framework for their defiance. For instance, their knowledge of Pandora’s forests, creatures, and ecosystems gives them an advantage over the technologically advanced but ecologically disconnected humans. The bioluminescent forests and symbiotic relationships with creatures like the ikran (mountain banshees) highlight the Na'vi’s reliance on nature not just for survival but for identity and community. Their ability to bond with other living beings through tsaheylu—a neural connection—symbolizes the ultimate expression of harmony, a feature that humans, despite their technology, cannot replicate.

Compared to the colonizers’ sterile, industrial interiors reflect their exploitative mentality, characterized by rigid control, mechanization, and a detachment from the natural world. The RDA’s mining operations and military barracks are functional and lifeless, prioritizing resource extraction and dominance over cultural and ecological preservation. The destruction of sacred spaces like Hometree serves as a metaphor for the erasure of Indigenous cultures in real-world colonial histories. Yet, it is through their resistance—both physical and spiritual—that the Na'vi expose the moral and ecological bankruptcy of the human approach, positioning their harmony with nature as a powerful critique of colonial and environmental exploitation.

Redemption And New Beginnings

The journey of Jake Sully in Avatar is a powerful story of transformation and atonement. Jake is first motivated by a sense of obligation, which is consistent with his military experience and a will to succeed. When he enters the Avatar Program to take the place of his late brother, he acts solely out of self-interest and takes a military posture toward the Na'vi (Murtiningrum et al., 2024). However, his eagerness for immersing himself in the foreign environment and his willingness to open to new encounters on Pandora pave the way for a meaningful change in his viewpoint.

Jake starts to doubt the principles taught to him as a soldier as he passes more time with the Na'vi, especially via his interactions with Neytiri. He gains an understanding of the Na'vi people's strong spiritual ties to the natural world and the Pandora realm. This is the first step in Jake's slow transition from a military man to Pandora's protector. His initial obligation to the human army is superseded by a sense of duty that is cultivated by his developing bond towards the Na'vi and their mode of life (Murtiningrum et al., 2024).

*Figure 5: The Directional Intentions of Jake Sully*

Jake rethinks his goal as he becomes more aware of the harmful forces at work, particularly the human military's exploitation of Pandora's resources. A turning point in his voyage is triggered by his realization of the damage done by the colonists, especially their disrespect for the Na'vi's places of worship. Seeing the Na'vi people's relationship to the land as sacred and deserving of protection, he starts to sympathize with them (Murtiningrum et al., 2024). This knowledge motivates Jake to intervene in order to shield the Na'vi against the abuse and devastation inflicted by his personal people.

When he chooses to completely support the Na'vi and assist them in defending their nation during the pivotal fight, it is his final act of redemption. His total acceptance of the Na'vi style of life and abandonment of his former military identity are symbolized by this last stand. Jake represents his repentance by permanently transforming into his avatar, signifying his complete metamorphosis from soldier to defender (Murtiningrum et al., 2024). To sum up, Jake's adventure is one of profound inner transformation, propelled by his developing comprehension of the Na'vi people and the natural world. His journey from a soldier on duty to a spiritual guardian is a compelling story of redemption that demonstrates how action, self-examination, and transparency may result in significant personal development and a dedication to a higher purpose (Murtiningrum, 2024).

*Figure 6: Development of character Jake Sully*

Blurring The Line Between Two Worlds

Another influential factor in jake's development is his extraversion. Despite early skepticism, his outgoing personality aids in his ability to set up bonds with the Na'vi. He transforms from an outsider to a leader because of his leadership abilities, which enable him to win the respect of the Na'vi people over time. His transformation from a disinterested soldier to a dedicated leader battling for pandora's survival stands for his redemption. Jake's conscientiousness increases as his quest goes on. He adopts a strong feeling of responsibility and goes beyond simply obeying commands. His dedication changes from advancing military aims to defending the Na'vi and their surroundings. His moral salvation is marked by this renewed feeling of duty, as he commits himself to a greater goal based on unity and preservation than selfish ambition.

Finally, Jake’s increasing agreeableness strengthens his transformation. His growing empathy and emotional connection to the Na'vi deepened his bonds with them. His ability to cooperate and put others’ needs above his own reflects a significant shift in his character. Through his personal growth, Jake finds a new purpose—one defined by compassion, responsibility, and the protection of Pandora. His journey is a testament to the power of redemption and the potential for new beginnings (Murtiningrum et al. 2024).

The Avatar: Bridging Worlds

The notions discussed in L. Daniel Hawk's “Avatar in three Dimensions" are closely related to the concept presented in bridging worlds. Although they take significantly different approaches, both works center on Jake Sully's metamorphosis and identity shift. The idea put out in Avatar is strongly tied to the ideas explored in L. Daniel Hawk's “Avatar in three dimensions". Despite adopting distinct strategies, Jake Sully's transformation and identity change are at the heart of both pieces.

Jake's duality as an invader who turns "renegade"—someone who opposes the colonial mission and takes a side with the native Na'vi people—is also covered in Hawk's article. Hawk portrays Jake's identity change as a moral awakening in which he accepts the Na'vi viewpoint, which is closely tied to ecological and spiritual harmony, and opposes the RDA's destructive goals. Hawk's and emphasize Jake's journey from an outsider to a protector of the native people, shown by his final decision to join the Na'vi. The personal, spiritual side of Jake's metamorphosis is the main emphasis of hawk's analysis, which also explores the socioeconomic and historical ramifications of jake's change by placing it in the framework of colonial rule, native resistance, and biblical conquest stories (such as the book of Joshua). In this context, the "Avatar" is a new life that provides him with a route to serenity and a sense of belonging, rather than only a physical body.

As Jake becomes a bridge between two worlds, a voyage of finding oneself and the shifting of distinctions dividing we (also known as the invader) and "them" (the indigenous Na'vi) in both instances. His transformation into a Na'vi reflects the film's overarching thematic tension, which is the struggle between harmony and destruction, exploitation and reverence for the natural world, and the potential for intercultural peace.

Reflection on Reality

The distinct settings in Avatar visually represent the intellectual struggle at the film's core. For the Na'vi, their fluid architecture symbolizes a worldview emphasizing balance and respect for the planet, contrasting sharply with the rigid, exploitative human environments. This highlights a deeper ideological divide: one group strives for harmony, while the other seeks control and extraction.

The Na'vi's spaces serve as platforms for resistance and potent symbols of cultural heritage, critiquing colonial exploitation. Both the Na'vi and human settings contribute to a broader discussion about resistance, power, and oppression, making the film's critique of exploitation particularly insightful. Avatar challenges viewers to confront issues of cultural suppression and marginalization that Indigenous tribes face historically and in the modern world. The injustices experienced by the Na'vi reflect the real-world struggles of Indigenous peoples, from forced assimilation to violent displacement.

Through visual storytelling, the film highlights the spiritual significance of Na'vi spaces like Hometree and the Tree of Souls, illustrating how the destruction of these sites mirrors the loss of sacred lands due to colonization. This invites audiences to reflect on these injustices. The film also critiques the misjudgment of Indigenous communities. Initially seen as primitive by human colonizers, the Na'vi embody wisdom and sustainability, challenging preconceived notions about "primitive" cultures. Overall, Avatar uses science fiction to bridge entertainment and awareness, offering a poignant critique of the marginalization and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. This makes the film a visually stunning epic and a vital tool for fostering empathy and understanding of real-world struggles.

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