Living with CO2

Living with CO2 brings carbon dioxide into the familiar through revisiting known objects, such as a sundial and a scale, designed to interpret the external world.

Due to human activities carbon dioxide levels are rising, causing the Earth to become warmer. New scientific discoveries provide knowledge which challenges past insights on the topic. This rapidly developing science can be seen as uncertain, which limits the understanding of the individual and therefore their ability to act. At its current measured levels, carbon dioxide has no smell, no tangibility, and no colour. However, it has an impact that can clearly be observed.

This project materialises the gap between the unseen and the tangible by using one of the byproducts of photosynthesis, wood, as a medium. Photosynthesis intake of carbon dioxide varies with the seasons, affected by the Sun's rays. By relating seasonal actions to the carbon cycle, changes become relatable and doubt can be embraced. In time, this can formulate new ways to comprehend and experience the science of carbon dioxide.

The project is based at Stave Hill Ecological Park in London.

Seasons —
  1. Autumn
  2. Winter
  3. Spring
  4. Summer

Objects — 
  1. Carbon Scale 
  2. Wood Wishes
  3. Silvered Coal 
  4. Sun Logs

Project by Rebecca Lardeur


Carbon Scale

Made of London Plane  found at White City (London, UK), arduino uno, LCD screen, wires, screws 

Wood Wishes
Made of twigs found at Stave Hill Ecological Park (London, UK), oil paint, cotton thread; stand made

Silvered Charcoal
Made of binchotan charcoal from Japan, silver plated

Sun Logs