Global Temperature Data Blanket
This is a data manifestation project: we were asked to create a design object that would communicate scientific data in from a design perspective. The challenge was to find a way to create a visceral connection through design with the data. My result was a handmade blanket representing data related to average global surface temperature from 1965-2015 in 5-year increments. The creation of a blanket reflects the metaphor of a comfort blanket, highlighting our society’s comfort and oblivion about global warming.
The intention of the project is to juxtapose the comfort of ignorance related to global warming, with the uncomfortable truth of the data. The materials used for this project include 100% wool yarn in cream and black for contrast, and leather. The blanket itself reflects the metaphor of a comfort blanket, and the uses associated with blankets of comfort and warmth. However, using an itchy-natural wool, reflects the concept of the discomfort of global warming. The blanket is also a hand-made object, similar to a human created natural phenomenon.
