Since the Cambrian Explosion approximately 541 million years ago, the earth has gone through five mass extinction events. Currently in the Holocene era, we are in the midst of what some have called the sixth mass extinction; as a result of human activity, researchers estimate that current extinction rates are at least 100 times what they were before the dawn of humanity.  Many species are even thought to have disappeared before any human awareness of their existence.

As effective tool-makers and inventors, humans have been able to adapt to almost every climate on earth. Human pressure on the natural environment began with the development of agrarian society over 10,000 years ago. From the domestication of wheat and pigs to more recent genetic manipulation of plants and animals for production of food and resources, our actions have had serious effects on the evolution and extinction of other species. Today, land use and pollution are some of the biggest causes of extinction.

In the first studio, Cyborg Enhancements, students explored the proliferation of technological advancements that augment, adapt, and affect the development of the human body. In this studio we will look at how human advancement has affected (and is still affecting) other species through our impact on the environment.

In both studios, students will begin by identifying specific plants and animals on the LA County endangered species list and research the human and environmental pressures that have led them to their current status as endangered. Students will develop a deep understanding of the human activity that has caused their organism to be placed on the endangered species list.

In the Build section of this studio, students will shift the paradigm of humans as toolmakers and design tools (devices and bots) for species under duress in to this new, harsher world we’ve created. In the Media section, students will create a visual campaign to raise awareness about about these activities. Campaigns around cute animals, such as polar bears, and tigers, touch people’s hearts; how can you create a campaign for animals that are just as deserving but maybe not quite as cute?

This studio will explore the ethics and ramifications both of widespread alterations to the biosphere and the idea that humans can and should take action to help plants and animals protect themselves.