Why we chose our Data

Saanvi and I chose our data as we wanted to demonstrate the amount of CO2 each economic sector emits in all of Canada compared to British Columbia. We believe that bringing awareness to our activities, wants, and needs that leave an alarming, negative footprint on the environment is crucial to creating change. Unfortunately, the condition of our planet will only worsen until polices, actions, or changes are implemented into our society and daily lifestyle. The more we recognize our indifference to nature, we pave the path for a clean, environmentally friendly society. The impacts of “human-induced” climate change are now monitored, observed, and researched in every aspect of life, and it is the most significant and wide spread current environmental threat. In the last few decades, natural scientists and nature conservationists have been observing marked changes on the condition and population of on a global scale. These changes are occurring at rates that are higher than expected for a species, habitat or ecosystem, and such observations are providing real, clear evidence that climate change is already having a devastating impact on our environment. 

Why we Chose Our Design 

Before we settled on our current visualization and data, we generated a plethora of ideas, ranging from mixed execution difficulties to abstractness. However, after careful consideration and advice, we decided to 3D print objects that represented each economic sector effecting Carbon emissions in Canada and British Columbia. For example, transport was depicted by a car which we sanded and painted. We also initially wanted to create pedestals that the objects would be placed on, but quickly realized that was unrealistic considering the size of our 3D printed objects and time. However, we decided to purchased Mason Jars that would be filled with Pom-Poms to instead represent our data. It was more interactive and mysterious. We then placed the jars in front of the corresponding object. The lager Pom-Poms within the object also equated to a certain amount of megatons. For example, the largest Pom-poms demonstrates 65 megatons of CO2, the medium sized Pom-Poms demonstrates 10 megatons, and the smallest Pom-Poms demonstrates 5 megatons. Each Mason jar also consists of Pom-Poms from two different colours, such as white and blue. The colours either represent either the CO2 emissions of British Columbia or all of Canada (in relation to that economic sector).

We choose this design to demonstrate our data in a unique matter that is visually attractive. We concentrated on constructing objects that resembled our inspiration yet had additional features to enhance the overall appearance. We used pieces of scrap paper and other materials to create idents or patterns on to create a higher accuracy to the object we modelled. For example, our dumpster has pieces of slanted carboard on its lid for accuracy. Additionally, the Pom-Poms add an element of mystery and interaction. Our intent with the pom-poms were for them to be opened, sorted according to colour, and the value of the size to be calculated. Instead of creating a project that could be understood from a quick glance, we wanted to entertain our viewers and grab their attention for longer. Furthermore,  although at first it seems strange, the product is quite simple. It is quick to understand from a short brief, yet impactful on the audience.  Lastly, we also taped slips of paper to our objects labelling what the sector exactly represents; further limiting confusion.

Original Data

Greenhouse gas emissions – Canada.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

En81-4-2019-3-eng.pdf (publications.gc.ca) (Page 33 and 34)

Our process

 A short video of our process

( Minor steps were not included)

 

1. Creating various objects on Tinker Cad and 3D printing them in the Maker Space
2. Using clay to fill in the gaps the 3D printer left
3. Sanding the clay to have a smoother surface
4. Painting the 3D printed objects for a better visual
5. Getting pom-poms and jars
6. Assigning each size of pom-pom with a numerical value
7. Assigning a color to BC’s emissions and Canada’s emissions for the different economic sectors
8. Adding the pom-poms in to the jar

Materials

• DAS Air Hardening Modeling Clay, 2.2-Pound Block, Grey
• P320, P50, and P120 grit sandpaper
• Acrylic paints and paint brushes
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Cardboard and Scrap pieces
• 3D printer
• Scissors
• Wooden Knives
• Ruler
• Ball Point pen
• Lead pencil
• Seven Mason Jars
• Multi coloured Pom-Poms

Final Product

Key

Size:

1. Big Pom-poms= 65 megatons of CO2
2. Medium Pom-poms= 10 megatons of CO2
3. Small Pom-poms= 5 megatons of CO2
4. White Bead= 1 megaton of CO2

Colour:

     Emissions for all of Canada in 2019

• Pink Pom-poms
• Green Pom-poms
• Red Pom-poms
• Purple Pom-poms
• Yellow Pom-poms
• Orange Pom-poms
• Blue Pom-poms

     Emissions for British Columbia in 2019

• White Pom-poms
• Black Pom-poms

What we learned

• When 3D printing, the resolution must be at the highest possible number to avoid rough edges
• The best printing speed for quality tends to be in the lower ranges, but at the cost of time. Having a faster print can cause complications and messy looking prints
• The shell (number of times the outer walls of the design are traced by the 3D printer before starting the hollow inner sections of your design) should be set at around 50% to strengthen your print
• The Layer height when slicing acts as the resolution of your print (This setting specifies the height of each filament layer in your print: Prints made with thinner layers will create more detailed prints with a smoother surface and thicker layered prints create a rougher surface)
• The infill of your print (The density of the space inside the outer shell of an object) can be changed to reduce print time at the expense of creating an awry shape
• In some cases where there is no overhang or “bridging” (a piece that joins other prints together) supports are unnecessary and can cause bumps in your prints surface
• The bed in which your print is created on must be balanced and tightened otherwise your project will not print
• Painting straight onto plastic requires many coats of paint
• “Sealing” an art piece protects the luminosity of the colors, preserves colour brilliance, and prevents smudging 

Reflection