Bloom: Visualizing Waste Materials Distribution & Decomposition Timelines

Collaboration with Professor Joe Ren, Cal State University Bakersfield.

"Bloom" is a web-based interactive project that uses data published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It portrays the constituents of the United States' 2018 municipal solid waste stream through a visually engaging metaphor. In this depiction, each material category, as identified by the EPA, is symbolized by a specially designed flower, with its relative size indicating the material's percentage in the waste composition. As users interact with the blooming flowers, objects representative of each material group descend into the visualized area of the landfill. This action illuminates the decomposition timeline for each material, fostering a deeper understanding of the waste life cycle and its environmental impact.

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"Bloom" invites its audience to confront the often unacknowledged consequences of our consumption-driven society. By juxtaposing the inherent beauty of flowers with the harsh reality of waste production, the design approach aspires to illuminate the delicate equilibrium between beauty and destruction, evoking introspection and inspiring positive change. In the spirit of Perpetual Presence, "Bloom" celebrates the rich interplay between data-driven insights and artistic expression, expanding our collective understanding of the world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interconnectedness of all elements in our world, and the significant effect our decisions have on the delicate ecosystems we share.