Metamorphosis
An interactive visualization forecasting what a sustainable world looks like in the year 2071.
About
This digital media experience explores a vision of the future at the intersection of design, sustainability, and architecture. I created this project as part of a bigger multi-media experience through a media design class at Carnegie Mellon University.
↳ January 2021- May 2021
↳ Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD
Context
This project was inspired by the field of design and engineering called biomimicry, which looks at nature for inspiration to solve design problems in a "regenerative" way. Through the lens of biomimicry and biophilic design, I explored how our relationship with the environment might change and evolve over the next 50 years.
Users explore the city at their own pace. They learn about the future through pieces of media curated from the next 50 years in these “archives.”
This experience is best viewed on desktop. Click through the site, or access the prototype here.
Progress isn’t always linear: I wanted to challenge the Western notion of ‘progress’, and how it has come to be synonymous with increasing technological advancements. I incorporated technologies based on real indigenous practices and innovative architectural methods, such as Nader Khalili’s ‘super-adobe’ homes, and Freddy Mamani’s Neo-Andean architectural style.
Neo-Andean building
Mother nature is the ultimate designer: Millions of years of evolution have honed our planet’s flora and fauna to adapt to the problems they face in their environment, so fields such as biomimicry emulate nature to solve wicked design and engineering problems, and design in a more regenerative way.
In this project, the Morpho butterfly has influenced a myriad of innovations: solar panels, air purifiers, and cooling paint.
Prioritizing human well-being: Some places in Scandinavia have incorporated a “pedestrian-centric” approach to urban planning that transforms the relationship between people, transport, and the city environment. More green spaces incorporated throughout the city and in the buildings will provide restorative effects for the people living there.
I decided to stick to a cleaner, vector based illustration style because I felt that it would be ‘generic’ enough to transport users to the future, while also giving me freedom to be creative. I created all of the vector artwork for this project.
Example storyboard.
Example of an “archive” about solar panels from the future.
Preliminary sketch of my city
Vector artwork tests. I created all of the visual assets for this project.
Animation tests in Adobe XD
Designing for large touchscreens
This project was part of a larger multi-media exhibition, where it will be displayed on a large, touch enabled TV at Carnegie Mellon University. With this format in particular, there were a few design choices I took into consideration.
Exhibition: Grow a Garden
“Metamorphosis” was exhibited as part of the “Grow a Garden” art show, held in The Frame Gallery in November 2021.
