The ECOS Simulation
An interactive simulation to promote an ECO-friendly universe. This project explores how design narratives can be drawn from large combined data sets to create effective eco-simulations that are both playful and informative.
Recently, researchers estimated that existing buildings are responsible for more than 40% of the world’s total primary energy consumption and for 24% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The ECOS project is an interactive data visualisation and simulation intended to promote energy aware behaviour by offering a form of engagement with data that contextualises the everyday use of energy and how it impacts the greater world.
The ECOS Project presented a simplified interface to the very complex domain of thermodynamic and climate modeling. From a mathematical perspective, the simulation can be divided into two models, which interact and compete for balance – the comfort of ECOS’ virtual denizens, and the ecological and environmental health of the virtual world.
The ECOS System is a playful interface that uses real-time weather data to simulate how a five-star energy building, in this case the new Science and Engineering Centre (SEC) operates in climates all over the world. It does this by locating the SEC buildings in six very different climate ECOSpheres (a mix of terrarium and snow-globe structures). The users can experiment with the parameters of the buildings and observe the results of their choices, reflecting on the roles of green buildings within the context of different environments.
The main goals of ECOS are to:
- Educate users and visitors to the site about the factors that influence energy consumption and generation
- Promote behavioural change by demonstrating human impacts on the environment
- Provide an playful and co-operative experience
- Demonstrate both local and global contingencies and causalities.
To refine the design of various components, we conducted case study analysis, synthesised multiple large data sets and consulted with various expert in the fields of energy sustainability, building management and human productivity factors
The work is now installed on a large multi-touch display in the foyer of the new QUT Science & Engineering Faculty building, a $230m project opened by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Feb. 2013. ECOS contributes to the important public conversation about the contingent and complex relationships between urban energy consumption, the environment and human behavior.
More Information: http://theecosproject.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEcosProject/
Process blog: https://cubeteam.tumblr.com/
An earlier version (short video): https://vimeo.com/58067158
Collaborators
Deb Polson: Lead researcher and designer
Cassandra Selin: Researcher
David Wallace: Programmer
Warwick Mellow: 3D artist
The Partners
Leighton’s Construction: Building Developers
Siganto: Energy Systems Provider
Schneider Electric: Building Management Providers
