atmospheric banking
The San Joaquin Valley, also known as the "Dust Bowl", is a vulnerable and elastic anthropogenic biome that exists according to its own set of rules. Actions - regardless of scale and location - have domino effects that are difficult to consolidate and observe. From its disappearing wildlife to its breathing geology, these intricate variables play a major role in influencing an intricate formula. What complicates the Valley's condition is its intangible properties: chemical pollutants in the air cannot be seen and the sinking topography cannot be felt. Over long periods of time, these effects build up to have drastic consequences such as earthquakes, cancer, and disappearing aquifers.
California College of the Arts
research, architecture, urbanism
The San Joaquin Valley, also known as the "Dust Bowl", is a vulnerable and elastic anthropogenic biome that exists according to its own set of rules. Actions - regardless of scale and location - have domino effects that are difficult to consolidate and observe. From its disappearing wildlife to its breathing geology, these intricate variables play a major role in influencing an intricate formula. What complicates the Valley's condition is its intangible properties: chemical pollutants in the air cannot be seen and the sinking topography cannot be felt. Over long periods of time, these effects build up to have drastic consequences such as earthquakes, cancer, and disappearing aquifers.
California College of the Arts
research, architecture, urbanism
A GALLERY OF POLLUTANTS
A piece of infrastructure is proposed to sit along Central Valley highways as a museum of air pollutants that are otherwise invisible. These byproducts of industry, including agriculture and oil, have left detrimental impacts to local communities. This refuge space brings visibility to the content in the air with the use of mesh textiles.
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MEASURING AIR QUALITY
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District monitors the quality of air throughout the valley and announces daily measurements with their Air Quality Index. The culture of air in the valley is commonplace and affects the day-to-day habits of locals. During times of poor air, communities are encouraged to carpool or commute by walking in order to lessen pollutant emissions. The Air Pollution Control District works closely with school groups to teach the effects of air and ways that it can be improved. With such local awareness of the conditions of air, the valley has garnered the attention of large institutions like the EPA and NASA.
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Above is a study conducted by NASA and EPA in 2007 to gain a better understanding of the conditions of air in the valley. Using satellites, the density of aerosols in the air was measured, providing a profile of how high these pollutants travel.
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Above: Jorge Otero-Pailos’ Ethics of Dust
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AIR CHIMNEYS
A series of "chimneys" are used to capture the local air and its pollutants from the highway.
MEASURING AIR QUALITY
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District monitors the quality of air throughout the valley and announces daily measurements with their Air Quality Index. The culture of air in the valley is commonplace and affects the day-to-day habits of locals. During times of poor air, communities are encouraged to carpool or commute by walking in order to lessen pollutant emissions. The Air Pollution Control District works closely with school groups to teach the effects of air and ways that it can be improved. With such local awareness of the conditions of air, the valley has garnered the attention of large institutions like the EPA and NASA.
Above is a study conducted by NASA and EPA in 2007 to gain a better understanding of the conditions of air in the valley. Using satellites, the density of aerosols in the air was measured, providing a profile of how high these pollutants travel.
AIR CHIMNEYS
A series of "chimneys" are used to capture the local air and its pollutants from the highway.