Plants for the climate

One way to do something about the rapid climate change is to plant a tree. Or more precisely: 1.2 trillion trees. By creating a network of ecologists across the world, and tying their information together with machine learning models, the Crowther Lab has mapped the entire global forest system, and in doing so has been able to quantify a climate change mitigation solution for the very first time. There are 3 trillion trees on the planet. But more importantly, there is room for 1.2 trillion more, and the results show exactly which parts of the world we need to focus reforestation efforts on. Using this information, reforestation could have a major impact on climate change. The Crowther Lab has a holistic approach in understanding the ecological processes. Simone Bucher van Ligten

Briefing

For the exhibition RETHINKING CREATIVITY, we develop a playful and creative interaction where visitors can learn more about the carbon cycle, and understand the effect of reforestation on the climate. Research data is visualised and facilitated through the engagement of the visitor. Using the interactive maps developed by the Crowther lab, visitors predict how the carbon cycle and climate will change under increasing human pressure, and how we might restore earth’s ecosystems in the fight against climate change. By using these visualised data, by interacting and playing, the visitor becomes part of the global ecosystem and the worldwide reforestation project. At the same time, they experience the haptic, emotional and aesthetic effect of plants, tapping into the natural fascination humans have for forests. This exhibit should both instil hope and inspire action.

Just as an example: One could build in a gaming challenge in one or the other form, where the visitor plants as many trees as possible by accomplishing a task. Or they have to use their imagination and creativity to find new spots for reforestation. Or they detect the best places for reforestation. Or one could build the game around the numbers: theoretically, there are 400 trees per person, now you have to increase this number in a certain amount of time, etc.

The interaction could and should be more than only a virtual simulation, but a mixture of a physical, haptic experience, combined with virtual elements. Simone Bucher van Ligten

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Setting

• 65" Touch Display
• 20 IR Tracking Devices / Objects

Time Period

6th of November – 29th of November 2019

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Week 3 (CW47) – Visualization, Microinteraction

In the third week you create and define the visualization and microinteractions.

Week 4 (CW48) – Prototyping

Working prototype which shows the most relevant screens and the microinteractions.

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Resources

Videos

Recommended

• Tom Crowther speech (Please watch this before your visit to Crowther Lab on 07.11.)

Reading

Recommended

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• Documentation; format: PDF
• Video / Screencast; add the IAD intro and closing credits to your videos
• Video / User-test
• Images (Screenshots & Usage Scenarios); approx. 10 representative images of the project
• Text (project title, short description, project description)

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