Process

GATE 0NE

My starting point for this project was the concept of mitigating the effects of climate change through planting.

I had three design intents:

  • A way to help urban renters plant and garden
  • A more efficient way to plant to expand carbon capture capacity
  • Increase public consensus on the need for climate action

My secondary research was broad in scope, with topics like Climate Change, Tree Planting for Forestry, Silviculture, Agroforestry, Guerrilla Gardening, as well as a wide range of existing design solutions.

My primary research was limited to a facebook poll, the results of which are below

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Prototypes

My initial explorations focused on guerrilla gardening and tree planting.

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Envirolope

A recycled paper envelope, long and narrow, to fill with seed and soil, soak, and place along edges of buildings to beautify the city.

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Wild Wedge

compostable plastic filled with seed and soil and pushed into gaps in the concrete jungle to propagate a polyculture urban forest.

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Winged Wishes

compostable plastic filled with seed and soil that can be tossed from high balconies to grow plants randomly in urban settings.

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Urban Dibble

A dibble is a gardening hand tool designed to make holes for planting. This version is based on collapsible hiking sticks with a detachable dibble tip for urban guerrilla gardeners looking to take long walks. It would include a matching conical mould for making DIY recycled paper seed and soil containers for expedited planting.

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Fang Planting System

The Fang Planting System is a forestry solution that replaces plastic greenhouse trays with biodgradeable ones whose individual cones are then driven into the ground with the planter. This would reduce plastic waste and prevent J-root while also being efficient. The cone is dropped into the shaft, held in place by pins that then drive it into the ground when the mechanism is depressed.

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Recycled Paper Planting Fang

This was the first in many experiments with recycled paper throughout the project. I used a variety of types of paper, binders, as well as embedded compostables such as tea, coffee, and onion skins.

GATE Two

Following critiques I continued my research. The following link will lead you to the source of much of my insight for the rest of my thesis; Tree Planting Workshop

Following this workshop and continued secondary research I abandoned the Forestry Industry angle and turned my attention towards using the military.

Prototypes

I had a lot of fun with this gate. It was at this point that I began researching propaganda posters and automated planting systems.

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GATE THREE

My research for this gate pivoted to the concept of risk. I dove into the subject of insurance, climate change impact, and the costs associated with it. For the purpose of raising awareness I chose to focus on learning what I would need to develop the climate app. It was overwhelming. Applying Global Climate Models to an AR app was far outside my capabilities and timeframe.

This video was made using AdobeXD wireframe animations and was my first such attempt.

Heads Up Nosebone

This concept arose from the notion of our attempted solutions creating new risks. Electric vehicles are touted as a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The electric skateboard is one such product, and obviously more detrimental than a human powered skateboard. It does, however, move at a higher velocity. As someone who has been skateboarding for a long time, I fear for an inexperienced rider moving at high speeds. One small rock, patch of sand, or pothole could mean a serious accident. Trust me on this one, I've got the scars to prove it. I designed the Heads Up Nosebone to use sensors to detect obstacles and provide a visual warning to change course. I used an Arduino Uno with ultrasonic sensors to trigger LEDs.

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Risk Reduction

The following map highlights how stakeholders and solutions are situated within the climate change risk reduction system. The Climate Forecast App can reduce the risk of real estate investments that may be adversely affected by increased fire or flood risk. The Heads Up Nosebone is a market solution that could reduce the chance of injury while riding an electric skateboard.

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GATE FOUR

Gate four was focused on exhibiting at Design TO's Off Course. During the holiday break I decided to get back on course from the branching out I did in gate three. I returned to planting but with a specific focus on enlisting the military to push the treeline north as a way to create greater consensus for immediate action to protect the climate.

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Belt Fed Planting Cane

I returned to my gate two concept and built a new prototype with the purpose of going all in with communicating the need to approach climate change with the same resolve as we have with previous threats to our freedom. This piece is as much a statement as it is a serious proposal to protect ourselves. Enter the propaganda campaign.

Grow On All Fronts

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This image is based on a Canadian WWII propaganda poster by Reginald H. Rogers. The intent, I believe, is to unite the population to help the war effort. It was my intention to do the same for the climate struggle.

GATE FIVE

My research during this gate ranged from drone pollination, permafrost, military emergency resposnse, costs of climate change and topics in cognitive science like nudging. My prototype developement continued.

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GATE SIX

Covid containment measures hit and forced all of us to alter our plans. The purpose of the final gate was to find a way to communicate our projects. I produced two short films, my first attempt was more like a documentary, my second modelled on recruitment ads. I also developed a clone mockup and wireframe of the C.A.F. app for the CDF.