MEDIA ART        INTERACTION DESIGN          PLAYGROUND

EcoConstruct

A tangible interaction and data visualization project that simulates urban impact on wildlife, allowing users to explore changes and test restoration strategies.
1. Problem & SolutionProblem

Wildlife habitats are shrinking due to rapid urbanization, and increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

  • Habitat Loss – Housing and infrastructure reduce natural spaces.
  • Light & Noise Pollution – Disrupts animal behavior and breeding.
  • Limited Awareness – Few tools to visualize human impact.

Solution

An interactive tangible & digital tool to explore urbanization’s effects and test restoration strategies.

  • Physical Models – Place objects to see habitat changes.
  • Tablet Interface – Visualizes animal movement and impact.
  • Restoration Simulation – Test solutions like reforestation.
 2.  Key Features

 1. Tangible Interaction

Interact with 3D objects to explore urban impact on wildlife. See real-time habitat changes, animal movement, and test restoration strategies in a hands-on way.


Use 3D models to simulate urban impact and explore ecological changes

Why Tangible Objects?

Main Audience
Urban Planning Students




The use of tangible models helps urban planning students intuitively explore the ecological impact of their designs, offering a more spatial, hands-on experience than a screen-based tool.
2. Customizable ExperienceUsers can tailor their simulation by selecting locations, choosing key animal species, and adjusting environmental variables. This hands-on customization allows users to explore how different factors.
3. Restoration
The restoration simulation lets users test green spaces, grasslands, and ponds to help ecosystems recover from urbanization.




























Simulate air pollution by placing a factory and observing changes in productivity and wind direction. See how it impacts animal movement and habitat.


4. Data Visualization

Toggle between local animals to access dynamic data on their behavior and habitat. Use the pull-out menu to explore changes based on actions and the site’s original status.





3. Research Insights
Our Client Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) is a conservancy NGO dedicated to preserving and restoring natural habitats in Los Angeles.
Understanding urbanization’s impact on wildlife requires real data. This dataset maps monitoring sites in LA, revealing species distribution, movement, and habitat disruptions.

This map highlights key wildlife corridors in Los Angeles, connecting habitats to support biodiversity and reduce urban fragmentation.

We visited the site to observe challenges, understand reservation issues, and identify AFC’s needs.

4. Final Showcase





Present to Clients

INFORMATION  CONTACT