#christhetree

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List of Relevant Blog Posts

Timeline of the Project: https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188641865025/timeline-of-the-project

Brief, and Nature’s effect on people research: https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188639633905/statement-of-intent-and-foundations-for-the

Construction Methods: https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188639602205/construction-methods

Reference Images and extra Images: https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188639571220/referred-images-from-construction-methods-post

Bibliography: https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188639381630/bibliography

Raw Data:

https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188403381130/raw-data-1

https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188403579310/raw-data-2

https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188403659835/raw-data-3

https://foxyorston.tumblr.com/post/188403731095/raw-data-4

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Timeline of the Project

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Brief, Statement of Intent, and Foundations for the installation.

“We aim to bring a sense of relaxation with an installation that incorporates the beauty and calm of nature with mode­rn technology”

‘Mental stress caused by a variety of social and environmental factors has become a major threat to human health (Lottrup, Grahn, & Stigsdotter, 2013). Mental stress can lead to unhealthy habits, immune system suppression (Cohen, Miller, & Rabin, 2001), and even cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, depression, asthma, and other severe health problems’ (Bin Jiang, Dongying Li, Linda Larsen, & William C. Sullivan, 2016).

This is a severe problem that plagues our modern society. However recent research has perhaps presented a solution; Nature. There is a lot of evidence to support the fact that there is a relationship between a closeness with nature, and stress recovery in people (Bin Jiang, Dongying Li, Linda Larsen, & William C. Sullivan, 2016). This installation aims to incorporate this calming and stress relieving aspect of nature with modern technology.

Before urbanisation, and the industrial revolution we spent our entire time within a natural environment. This means that the gap between the natural setting, for which our physiological functions are adapted, and the highly urbanized and artificial setting that we inhabit is a contributing cause of the “stress state” in modern people’ (Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016). This movement to an urbanised environment has left this hole in our society that most people don’t acknowledge or even consciously realise exists.

Research done in 2005-2015 by Japanese researchers found that the presence of nature and a natural environment was more effective at decreasing blood pressure levels in subjects than urban environments. This was done by measuring Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure levels within a pool of test subjects.

In Urban environments, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lower by 1.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. And After viewing natural environments, The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lower by 1.9%, and 2.1%, respectively (Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016).

Our installation, however, is constructed out of artificial materials in order to present a blend of the urban environment while still carrying nature’s calming effects. Researchers have found that When real nature is not at hand, surrogate (artificial plants, potted plants) or simulation (pictures of nature, films, slides) of nature are accepted at work, in hospitals or institutions providing restorative effects such as improved affect and decreased physiological stress. (Rita Berto, 2014).

  “The Role of Nature in Coping with Psycho-Physiological Stress: A Literature Review on Restorativeness”, Rita Berto, 2014, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/4/4/394

“Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan”, Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/13/8/781

“A Dose-Response Curve Describing the Relationship Between Urban Tree Cover Density and Self-Reported Stress Recovery”, Bin Jiang, Dongying Li, Linda Larsen, & William C. Sullivan, 2016,  

https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/doi/full/10.1177/0013916514552321

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Construction Methods

The first step in building the installation was to create some low fidelity prototypes. These began as small cardboard mock-ups of trees and progressed to a pair of modelling clay designs. (Figure 1.0). The clay models enabled us to experiment with the form and layout of the project.

After user testing these clay models, we chose the variation with three central branches to take further. This is because we received feedback that it gave the tree more of a ‘presence’ in the space it inhabited. Using this model, we were able to build a bigger version out of rolled up cardboard and packing tape (See figure 1.1). Using such low fidelity materials enabled us to easily alter the layout of branches and make quick changes while designing the look of the installation.

Initial plans were to continue the cardboard theme for the final, but on a bigger scale. The cardboard would form the exterior, while the interior would be comprised of metal poles/pipes as a framework. This however was found to be not ideal, as the framing wouldn’t be able to carry enough of the weight of the tree. After some material testing (see Materials, p3) it was decided to use a chicken wire framework around PVC piping for the interior structure, followed by a Paper Mache and clay cladding on the exterior.

The framework was constructed using wire sheets rolled into tubes (Figure 1.2). These were connected to one another with wire ‘staples’ to form four main segments of the tree. These segments became the Trunk (Figure 1.31) and Branches One through to Three (Figures 1.32, 1.33, 1.34 respectively). After the framework of these segments was complete, each segment was fitted with a PVC pipe secured to the interior with expandable foam and more wire connections. This served to strengthen each branch to the point where it could confidently carry its weight once fitted to the trunk. The interior PVC pipes were linked with connectors to a similar pipe fitted in the trunk. This not only enabled the branches to be strongly fixed to the central trunk, but also able to be removed if needed, making the installation modular.

After the branches were connected, the exterior cladding could be laid over the top. This consisted of four layers of Paper Mache (Figure 2.0), followed by a layer of wet clay to seal it before paint (Figure 2.1). In hindsight the clay cladding was a miscalculation as it added too much weight to the branches, causing them to bow down and require reinforcement in order to prevent them breaking off entirely. After reinforcing the weak branches with interior filling foam, we were able to cover the tree in 4 layers of white paint (Figure 2.2). White was the colour of choice as it reflected the lights emitted by the LEDs to make the tree glow. White is also often considered to have connotations of cleanliness and light, which would reinforce the image of peace and relaxation that the installation aims to portray.

LIGHTS AND WIRING: The tree needed an efficient way of carrying power throughout the branches. Because the LED strips we had acquired would need to be soldered onto the wiring it was decided that creating a wire loom would be the best way to approach it. We wired up 40m of wire, one positive and one negative connection. Then we used solder to attach the LED positive point to a female – male connector, and the LED Green and Blue points to another single female – male connector. This way, we could detach the LED strips as needed, and not have to worry about the Red LEDs. We chose to use primarily the Green and Blue LEDs on the strips as according to Colour Theory (Sarah E. Babin, 2013); Green is often associated with nature, growth and renewal, and Blue is often associated with calm, serenity and peace. These two colours fit perfectly with the theme of our installation.

“Color Theory: The Effects of Color in MedicalEnvironments”, Sarah E. Babin, 2013, https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1173&context=honors_theses

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Referred Images from Construction Methods’‘ Post, and an extra associated Images library

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Bibliography

Clouds/Atmosphere Based Exhibits

“Heavens above! Breathtaking art installation pumps clouds of fog into city car park giving people the chance to walk in the clouds”, Daily Mail Reporter, 2013, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2314852/Fujiko-Nakaya-Weather--art-Magical-installation-gives-people-chance-walk-clouds.html

“CLOUD”, Caitlind r.c. Brown & Wayne Garrett, 2013, https://incandescentcloud.com/aboutcloud/

“This Art Installation of Two Clouds Hitting Says More than a Puff”, Mitchell Chan, https://interestingengineering.com/video/this-art-installation-of-two-clouds

“An artist creates miniature clouds in spaces around the world”, James Gabriel Martin, 2017, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2017/04/27/artist-creates-perfect-clouds/

 Trees/Plants/Grass/Rocks Based Exhibits

“Tree of Tenere”, Steel Art Trees, https://naturemaker.com/portfolio_entries/art-installations/

“Solar Bulb Installations and Art Dedicated to The Power of The Sun”, M.W. Byrne, https://www.thecoolist.com/solar-bulb-installations/

“Engineers create plants that glow”, Anne Trafton, 2017, http://news.mit.edu/2017/engineers-create-nanobionic-plants-that-glow-1213

“Light Pollination”, Cristina Ticoi, 2016, https://www.archilovers.com/stories/16316/light-pollination.html

“This Bioluminescent Algae Pool Art Installation Is Coming to a Secret Location in L.A.”, Karin E. Baker, 2018, https://www.welikela.com/night-life-la-bioluminescent-algae-pool-art-installation/\

“Aquarium Ambience Lighting (LED) Control”, randtekk, 2018, https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/randtekk/aquarium-ambience-lighting-led-control-a0794b?ref=platform&ref_id=424_trending___&offset=112

 Fireflies/Glow Worms/Bees/Insects Based Exhibits

“Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence”, American Museum of Natural History, https://www.amnh.org/global-business-development/traveling-exhibitions/creatures-of-light-nature-s-bioluminescence

"You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies”, Yayoi Kusuma, 2005, http://www.phxart.org/fireflies

“Spectacular Fireflies on the Water Light Exhibit”, Pinar, 2012, https://mymodernmet.com/yayoi-kusama-fireflies-on-the-water/

“Greenpeace to team up with Wolfgang Buttress at Glastonbury for multi-media installation involving Michael Eavis' bees and harmonious sound by contemporary producers”, Rob Hakimian, 2019, https://www.thefourohfive.com/music/article/greenpeace-to-team-up-with-wolfgang-buttress-at-glastonbury-for-multi-media-installation-involving-michael-eavis-bees-and-harmonious-sound-by-contemporary-producers-155

“Bees Swarm Honeycomb Jesus (5 pics)”, Eugene Kim, 2010, https://mymodernmet.com/bees-swarm-honeycomb-jesus-5/

“Hive (Bleecker Street)”, Lori Zimmer, 2017, http://art-nerd.com/newyork/hive-bleecker-street/

“The sculpture controlled by bees: Wolfgang Buttress's Hive”, Alison Benjamin, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/17/sculpture-controlled-by-bees-wolfgang-buttress-hive

 BIOMIMICRY

“Biomimicry: Nature’s Design Process Versus The Designer’s Process”, K.J. Rossin, 2010, https://www.witpress.com/elibrary/wit-transactions-on-ecology-and-the-environment/138/21201

 AFFECTS OF PLANTS ON STRESS LEVELS

“The Impact of Mindful Meditation in Nature on Self-Nature Interconnectedness”, Sara Unsworth, , Sean-Kelly, PalickiJim Lustig, 2016, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-016-0542-8

“Viewing Nature Scenes Positively Affects Recovery of Autonomic Function Following Acute-Mental Stress”, Daniel K. Brown*Jo L. Barton, Valerie F. Gladwell, 2013, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es305019p

“Nearby Nature: A Buffer of Life Stress among Rural Children”, Nancy M. Wells, Gary W. Evans, 2003, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013916503035003001

“How Do Plants in Hospital Waiting Rooms Reduce Patient Stress?”, Ann Linda Baldwin, 2012, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2012.0116?journalCode=acm

“WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANTS INDOORS AND WHY DO WE RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THEM?”, V.I. Lohr, 2010,  https://www.actahort.org/books/881/881_111.htm

“Ornamental Indoor Plants in Hospital Rooms Enhanced Health Outcomes of Patients Recovering from Surgery”, Seong-Hyun Park, Richard H. Mattson, 2009, https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/abstract/journals/horttech/5/2/article-p137.xml

“THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INDOOR PLANTS, STRESS, PRODUCTIVITY AND SICK LEAVE IN OFFICE WORKERS”, T. Bringslimark, G.G Patil, T. Hartif, 2008, https://www.actahort.org/books/775/775_13.htm

“The significance of urban trees and forests: toward a deeper understanding of values”, John F. Dwyer, Herbert W. Schroeder, Paul H. Gobster, 1992, https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/14861

 THE EFFECT OF NATURE SOUNDS ON STRESS “Mind-wandering and alterations to default mode network connectivity when listening to naturalistic versus artificial sounds”, Cassandra D. Gould van Praag, Sarah N. Garfinkel, Oliver Sparasci, Alex Mees, Andrew O. Philippides, Mark Ware, Cristina Ottaviani & Hugo D. Critchley, 2017, https://www.nature.com/articles/srep45273?utm_source=commission_junction&utm_medium=affiliate

 VIDEOS ON BUILDING ARTIFICIAL TREES

“Adam Savage's Week at Weta Workshop, Part 3”, Adam Savage’s Tested, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4xboOb8868 “How We Created a Giant Interactive Tree Prop Out of Foam - We Are Creative Works [Episode 15]”, Creative Works, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VUJl6-Ai8s “How to Build a Foam Tree Prop”, propworldplus, 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ5ybVdt_5c “Giant Spooky Halloween Tree DIY”, Tanya Memme, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnckyLpK_A0 “How to Make TREES for Theater – Set Design, Lion Witch Wardrobe”, mellenheadprods, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4xVOVcWXwI “Making large trees – set pieces 2”, fumsmusings, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK_sdPozexk

 COLOUR THEORY

“Color Theory: The Effects of Color in MedicalEnvironments”, Sarah E. Babin, 2013, https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1173&context=honors_theses

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Raw Data 4

When the LEDs arrived. We thought it would be a good idea to place them on the tree to simulate how it would look as a final, finished product. We then asked multiple people about the brightness of the LEDs, and what colours were preferred. Max commented on the LEDs being too dim, so we increased the voltage from 9V to 12V in order to get more light. Max and Sophie both also commented that blue and green coloured lights were a better choice than anything using red, as the blue and green suited the natural theme of the installation a lot better.

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Raw Data 3

Model 1 (Three Branches)

Model 2 (Two Branches)

When asked which model people preferred, Model 1 received overwhelming support. The general consensus with this was that because it had three branches instead of two, it filled out more space and looked more natural. A common response to Model 2 was that it appeared unnatural and not as aesthetically pleasing.