I'm breathing {storytelling}
an exploration of air quality
tags: webcomic / interactive /
background
Throughout Hong Kong, the house-hold air conditioning box seems to be the implicit symbol of industrialism and modern living. In a contradictory cycle, we condition the indoor air to be more comfortable because outside is too hot, while spewing more hot air to the outside. What if the air conditioning is replaced by air filtering plants? Could we rethink the design – and meaning of – living comfortably? This is a simple exploration of the implications of the choices we can make.
This piece was made during my exchange as a student in Hong Kong. I drew material from my experiences living in the foreign city. In particular, I was struck by the poor air quality, the forest of high-rises, and the stimulating juxtaposition between mountains and architecture.
The narrative is also branching; to what voice will you follow?
All scenes illustrated are based on my own photography of where I lived and the places I visited, from street alleys to numerous mountain tops. Plants in the air filters are based on NASA's research on air filtering house plants, such as the florist chrysanthemum, the orchid, and the spider plant. The bird referenced is the Fairy Pitta. It is a threatened bird on the decline due to extensive lowland deforestation of subtropical forests, which includes Hong Kong. Its vibrant colours also contrast with the monotonous greys of smog and pollution.
