Exploring Nature Through Non-Human Perspectives

Exploring Nature Through Non-Human Perspectives

Exploring Nature Through Non-Human Perspectives

Exploring Nature Through Non-Human Perspectives

Exploring Nature Through Non-Human Perspectives

The integration of these two VR experiences highlights the relationship between human activities and the natural world. Through a non-human lens, users are immersed in both the fragility of marine ecosystems and the resilience of nature in a future without humans. This dual perspective educates users about the urgency of conservation and the consequences of neglect.

Role

3d Modeling

Tool

Blender, A-frame, HTML

Time

Nov - Dec 2023

Team

Individual

Background

Coral Bleaching Across the Pacific

The map artistically clusters images of the most bleached corals, positioned to represent their respective Pacific Ocean jurisdictions.

Climate change is the greatest threat to coral reef ecosystems, driven by greenhouse gas emissions that warm the atmosphere and oceans.

Background

Coral Mindmap

The map artistically clusters images of the most bleached corals, positioned to represent their respective Pacific Ocean jurisdictions.

Climate change is the greatest threat to coral reef ecosystems, driven by greenhouse gas emissions that warm the atmosphere and oceans.

Core Narrative

Act 1: The Call of the Coral

Experience the underwater world from the perspective of marine life, learning about coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing. This phase emphasizes humanity's impact and the urgent need for conservation.

Design Process

Step 1:
Scene Modeling

I modeled the seabed and various types of coral based on research into their natural forms. By designing different coral shapes and experimenting with diverse colors and textures, I aimed to make the coral appear more lifelike and visually compelling.

Step 2:
Animating Marine Life

I rigged and animated the fish models, allowing them to swim naturally through the scene. This added layer of animation brings the scene to life, emphasizing the harmony between marine life and their habitat.

Step 3:
Interactive Coral with JavaScript

I implemented an interactive feature using JavaScript, where vibrant coral dynamically transitions to a bleached appearance as users move closer in the scene. This effect highlights environmental changes and enhances user engagement through visual storytelling.

Core Narrative

Act 1: The Call of the Coral

Experience the underwater world from the perspective of marine life, learning about coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing. This phase emphasizes humanity's impact and the urgent need for conservation.

Design Process

Step 1:
Scene Modeling

I modeled the seabed and various types of coral based on research into their natural forms. By designing different coral shapes and experimenting with diverse colors and textures, I aimed to make the coral appear more lifelike and visually compelling.

Step 2:
Animating Marine Life

I rigged and animated the fish models, allowing them to swim naturally through the scene. This added layer of animation brings the scene to life, emphasizing the harmony between marine life and their habitat.

Step 3:
Interactive Coral with JavaScript

I implemented an interactive feature using JavaScript, where vibrant coral dynamically transitions to a bleached appearance as users move closer in the scene. This effect highlights environmental changes and enhances user engagement through visual storytelling.

Background

Contextual Research

These works sparked my interest in exploring nature's resilience and the role of non-human perspectives. They reveal how ecosystems adapt and recover in the absence of humans, inspiring a focus on ecological repair and coexistence.

Conclusion

This research explores how nature recovers in the absence of human influence. It shifts the focus toward understanding the world from non-human perspectives. It highlights the interconnected roles of various species in restoring and sustaining damaged ecosystems.

Core Narrative

Act 2: A Post-Human Earth

Transition to a speculative future where humans are extinct, and nature begins to recover. Witness ecosystems evolve over time from the perspective of non-human entities such as insects and birds.

Design Process

Step 1:
Blender Modeling

Using Blender, I modeled the scene, incorporating sand and building effects, and experimented with various materials and rendering techniques to achieve the desired visual quality.

Step 2:
Blender to A-Frame

I exported the modeled underwater scene from Blender in a format compatible with A-Frame. After importing the scene into A-Frame, I then adjusted the lighting and environmental settings in A-Frame.

Step 3:
Enhancing Immersion with Animations

To create a more engaging VR scene, I implemented various animations, such as dynamic rain effects and movement interactions. Using A-Frame’s animation capabilities, I adjusted the camera’s position and motion to allow users to explore the scene more intuitively. This included scripting looping mechanics to ensure smooth navigation within a defined space, maintaining immersion without breaking the continuity of the experience.

Background

Contextual Research

These works sparked my interest in exploring nature's resilience and the role of non-human perspectives. They reveal how ecosystems adapt and recover in the absence of humans, inspiring a focus on ecological repair and coexistence.

Conclusion

This research explores how nature recovers in the absence of human influence. It shifts the focus toward understanding the world from non-human perspectives. It highlights the interconnected roles of various species in restoring and sustaining damaged ecosystems.

Core Narrative

Act 2: A Post-Human Earth

Transition to a speculative future where humans are extinct, and nature begins to recover. Witness ecosystems evolve over time from the perspective of non-human entities such as insects and birds.

Background

Contextual Research

These works sparked my interest in exploring nature's resilience and the role of non-human perspectives. They reveal how ecosystems adapt and recover in the absence of humans, inspiring a focus on ecological repair and coexistence.

Conclusion

This research explores how nature recovers in the absence of human influence. It shifts the focus toward understanding the world from non-human perspectives. It highlights the interconnected roles of various species in restoring and sustaining damaged ecosystems.

Design Process

Step 1:
Blender Modeling

Using Blender, I modeled the scene, incorporating sand and building effects, and experimented with various materials and rendering techniques to achieve the desired visual quality.

Step 2:
Blender to A-Frame

I exported the modeled underwater scene from Blender in a format compatible with A-Frame. After importing the scene into A-Frame, I then adjusted the lighting and environmental settings in A-Frame.

Step 3:
Enhancing Immersion with Animations

To create a more engaging VR scene, I implemented various animations, such as dynamic rain effects and movement interactions. Using A-Frame’s animation capabilities, I adjusted the camera’s position and motion to allow users to explore the scene more intuitively. This included scripting looping mechanics to ensure smooth navigation within a defined space, maintaining immersion without breaking the continuity of the experience.

Final Design

VR Scene - The Call of the Coral

An immersive journey into vibrant coral reefs, revealing their beauty and vulnerability amidst human impact.

Final Design

VR Scene - A Post-Human Earth

An exploration of Earth's recovery through the eyes of non-human entities, showcasing nature's resilience beyond humanity.

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Final Design

VR Scene - The Call of the Coral

An immersive journey into vibrant coral reefs, revealing their beauty and vulnerability amidst human impact.

Final Design

VR Scene - A Post-Human Earth

An exploration of Earth's recovery through the eyes of non-human entities, showcasing nature's resilience beyond humanity.

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu

Thanks for reading!

© 2024 Ziqian Wu All rights reserved. Designed by Ziqian Wu