Project Background

For my Ecocentric Design class with Professor Jiabao Li (UT AUSTIN). I was prompted to research a species in depth and create and empathetic relationship with the creature. Exploring this time of umwelt, a termed coined by Jakob von Uexküll and Thomas Sebeok, umwelt is the "biological foundations that lie at the very center of the study of both communication and signification in the human [and non-human] animal".

Deliverables

[ ] Species Research
[ ] Empathy Building
[ ] Documentation of the Experience
[ ] A product for the species

The Key Problem

<aside> 💡 How can we help the environment around us and reshape our thinking to focus on other beings besides humanity?

</aside>

As designers, we tend to take on egocentric thinking, constantly wondering how to improve our world and environment. As humans, we strive for convenience, we want to save time and money, but with the luxuries comes great damage. We have managed to destroy the planet that we call home by corroding it with pollution. Many species have been affected in the process, and one of those species is the red-eared slider, also known scientifically as Trachemys scripta elegans.

Turtle Playground Process

As I gathered research on turtles and tried to become a turtle myself in the process, I quickly realized all of the struggles and shortcomings that they face, even when they’re in a “healthy” environment.

I visited the UT Turtle Pond, and spent time with the turtles. Through observation, I saw the following problems:

Turtles struggle to climb up rocks. This is due to the rocks being too tall, angled poorly, and their lack of grip. Over time, the rocks build up slick moss and algae, making it difficult for the turtles to climb. Why do turtles need to climb rocks? Turtles need to maintain homeostasis, and as cold blooded amphibians, they need oxygen, as well as heat to survive.
Turtles have a lot of “gunk” in their shells. Over time, turtles build up/grow algae on their shells. This algae often contains harmful diseases or bacteria that can cause illness or disease to the turtle and is often life threatening.
Turtles become easily under stimulated. I would’ve never expected these creatures to be this social, but turtles love to play! They love attention, but at the end of the day, when we are all at home they don’t have much to do.

With these problems in mind, I wondered what I could do to help the turtles.

After some ideation and brainstorming, I decided to build a turtle playground. I wanted to create a home that they could enjoy even without humans present.

Research