Living with CO2brings 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.
Sun Logs Made from London Plane wood from White City, London
Summer brings long sunny days and low carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide is a key ingredient for organic growth through photosynthesis, bringing fruits, flowers, and else throughout the season while reducing carbon emissions. If there is a time to collectively celebrate the benefits of the sun, Living with CO2 believes it is then.
To honour the sun, a sundial and stamp of the analemma are made as celebratory tools for the summer solstice celebration, and to take in the longest day of the year.
