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Heat Wave immerses visitors in the escalating heat challenges faced by Columbia, South Carolina. Through a dynamic artistic video, viewers traverse a digitally rendered landscape of downtown Columbia, interwoven with abstract geometric fractal animations symbolizing intensifying heat patterns. This fusion of digital cityscapes and abstract visuals vividly illustrates the urban heat island effect, where built environments absorb and re-emit heat more than natural landscapes. Columbia exemplifies this phenomenon, with certain neighborhoods experiencing temperature differences of up to 18.5 degrees Fahrenheit compared to less developed areas. The installation underscores the impact of reduced urban tree canopy on rising temperatures; Columbia's tree canopy shrank by almost 25% between 2005 and 2019. By observing this video, the audience will gain insight into the tangible effects of urbanization on local climates and the pressing need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate these heat disparities.



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There are two versions of Heatwave included as part of this project. The version hosted on this website is a 4-minute and 42-second video featuring narration and music, designed to convey the full story and emotional arc of the project. The version being projected on-site in Columbia, South Carolina is a 30-minute silent video that plays continuously on a loop. It includes the original Heatwave video shown above, as well as an additional 25 minutes of 3D fractal animations created by artist Drake Arnold and his mother, Laura Arnold. These extended fractal visuals were added to enhance variety and visual interest for viewers encountering the projection over the course of its six-month public installation.



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Here are some additional facts about urban heat islands (UHIs):


Temperature Increase: Urban areas can experience temperatures up to 15–20°F higher than surrounding rural areas during mid-afternoon due to the UHI effect.

Nighttime Effects: The temperature difference between urban and rural areas is often more pronounced at night, with cities retaining more heat.

Contributing Factors: Materials like asphalt and concrete absorb and retain heat, while a lack of vegetation reduces cooling through shade and evapotranspiration.

Health Impacts: UHIs can exacerbate heat-related illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income communities.

Mitigation Strategies: Implementing green roofs, increasing tree canopy, and using reflective building materials can help reduce UHI effects.

Temperature Disparity: Columbia has recorded temperature differences of up to 18.5°F between urban and rural areas, the highest among 15 cities studied in a NOAA-supported project.

Tree Canopy Loss: Between 2005 and 2019, Columbia's tree canopy decreased by nearly 25%, contributing to increased urban temperatures.

Health Concerns: Areas in Columbia with less tree canopy are in the 98th percentile nationally for asthma and respiratory illness, highlighting the health implications of UHIs.

Mapping Initiatives: The City of Columbia has undertaken urban heat island mapping projects to identify hotspots and inform mitigation efforts.

Community Engagement: Local organizations and universities are collaborating to address UHIs through research, public awareness campaigns, and urban planning strategies.



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References