ph Damiano Andreotti
2023 / Freelance Project / Cittàdellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto
The Endless Dance of the Water Cycle
This project is part of a permanent exhibition at Cittàdellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto and was created in collaboration with some local institutions. The theme is water: from the laws that regulate it, to sustainable advice, to the narrative of the journey it takes from extraction to consumption.
After conducting an extensive research, I created these wall infographics to convey it. The challenge was to make a series of fairly specific information accessible to a general audience. The project was presented last June 25th during the inauguration of the 25th edition of Arte al Centro.
Brief
The project, which involves creating wall infographics, stems from the desire to make water-related data more accessible and engaging. The aim is to foster public discourse on the topic of water and to stimulate a protective attitude towards this resource.
Interviews with involved institutions
The first step in the project development was to conduct interviews with local entities such as ASL Biella, Arpa Piemonte, Cordar S.p.A. Biella Servizi, and CRAB Medicina Ambiente, in order to understand what existing data they possessed that could be reworked and shared.
Organization and synthesis of collected materials
Subsequently, I mapped and synthesized the contents of the interviews to understand the recurring topics and points of connection among the various subjects that the different entities were dealing with. In addition to what had been communicated during the meetings, we also asked the various institutions to share materials such as datasets, reports, presentations, which could potentially be included in the final infographic.
Site survey
Simultaneously with the research phase, I then conducted an on-site visit to the location where the wall infographic would be installed. The chosen location is a room of approximately 4m x 8,5m, situated within Cittàdellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto, in Biella, Piedmont, Italy
Design of the information architecture
After realizing the available space and the abundance of collected material, I then began working on designing the information architecture. These ugly (yet useful) sketches illustrate how the data will be presented. This was certainly the most challenging phase of the entire process due to the large amount of available data and its extreme heterogeneity. Another element that added complexity was undoubtedly working with such a spacious surface like the walls of a room, which follows significantly different principles compared to printed paper or mobile/web design.
Infographic
After weeks of uninterrupted work, here is the final result. The infographic presents some more general data regarding current water-related legislation and the environmental assessment of the resource, before going into the detailed explanation of how the water cycle works – from extraction and consumption to purification and return to the environment. A central focus is also given to the topic of sustainability and the significance of collaboration in achieving a common goal, which is fostered through proactive dialogue on the subject.
Some details
Here you can find some close-ups of the wall infographic.
Pictures of the final result
Below are some photos of the final outcome. The project was presented on the opening day of the 25th edition of Arte al Centro, which coincided with the celebrations of the 90th birthday of Michelangelo Pistoletto, a prominent contemporary artist and the founder of the Cittàdellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto space where the infographic is displayed.
Mapping local projects
In addition to the described project, I also created three visualizations measuring 4m x 1,5m each, aiming to map certain information about ongoing projects in the Biella area.
Infographics
The visualizations address the following research questions:
1. Which UN Sustainable Development Goals are most frequently addressed by the institutions in the region?
2. What are the most commonly addressed themes by the various institutions in their projects within the region?
3. How do the various institutions in the region that collaborate on projects interact with each other?
1. Which UN Sustainable Development Goals are most frequently addressed by the institutions in the region?
2. What are the most commonly addressed themes by the various institutions in their projects within the region?
3. How do the various institutions in the region that collaborate on projects interact with each other?
Pictures of the final result
Photos of the visualizations within the exhibition space.
ph Damiano Andreotti
Conclusion
This has been one of the most ambitious projects I've ever worked on. Dealing with such diverse and fascinating information, focusing on the topic of water, which is incredibly captivating and urgent, has been enriching and satisfying for me. The joy of seeing exhibition visitors read and engage with the presented data has made me aware of why I work in the data visualization field. Having the opportunity to convey information that would otherwise be inaccessible in a clear, understandable, and intuitive manner allows me to raise awareness about important issues. I am extremely happy to have had the chance to do so.
A special thanks goes to Elisa Gilardino and Tancredi Pino from Cittàdellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto who supported me throughout the project's development.
