AIGA Upstate New York Student Design Challenge 2018 - Winner
#SAYNOPE
Noise pollution is the propagation of noise that has a harmful impact on both urban centers and wildlife alike; it is primarily caused by transportation systems and industrial zones. #SayNope is a campaign inspired by the #MeToo movement and its ability to use social media and the power of communication to create positive change. Our goal was to gather all the information we could on the harmful effects of noise pollution and to bring awareness to an issue that is very much present and relevant— yet virtually unnoticed.
Facts about noise pollution
Phase one of the project concentrated on our college campus in Utica, NY. Our goals were to conduct research, create an integrated campaign to share our findings on the harmful effects of noise pollution, and spread awareness through community events, installations, exhibitions, and broadcasting via our website and social media channels. Phase two of this project will be to connect with a wider audience and to collaborate with nonprofit communities or national organizations. We intend to provide them with our media assets in order to protect ears of every kind; the harmful effects of noise pollution are not limited to human ears— domesticated and wild animals alike are affected as well.
Short film "The Scream" (left) + Social Event "For yEars" (right)
Directed by Mark Pei
After analyzing the data we connected it to issues in the larger world in order to put noise and its effects in perspective and share with our audience at an on-campus event that we hosted. Prior to the event, we created a teaser campaign with films and original animation that replicated various art movements including dada, constructivist, cubist, and surrealist to appeal to our targeted demographic of art students.
The event included #saynope branded photo booth for social media, two dark rooms screening films, a multi-screen installation visualizing the noise, and an engaging spokesperson reciting highlights and statistics about the topic.
We conducted a survey at the event to gather additional information on the issue. Thanks to guests from all over the world and varied walks of life, we were able to receive many interesting perspectives. The most thought-provoking information was that while some countries are spending millions of dollars to combat noise pollution, those that live in cities and urban areas that are most affected by it are the least aware or concerned.
We also discovered that human noise is affecting animals by permanently changing their habitats.
"Watch the Noise" installation
Designed by Matthew Dempster
Our current installation located just behind a priceless Jackson Pollock will reach a much larger audience while on exhibit in the Munson-Williams-Proctor Museum of Art. This world class museum is attended by approximately 85,000 visitors per year.
Although our creative challenges were many, we met and surpassed our established goals for phase one. Our team consisted of three sophomore level students, with only one of the trio a native English speaker. All work was done under tight deadlines and outside of course curriculum and gallery installations were created from scratch in a cramped work space and under unusual circumstances.
Our primary challenge was convincing people that noise pollution is a real issue deserving attention.
Animation "Buzzing" by Hallie Kim
Art director: Mark Pei
Our on-campus event exceeded expectations with 33% of the student population attending and responding to our questionnaire. Participants enjoyed the videos, Polaroid photos, buttons, and started a real buzz on campus.
Website designs by Hallie Kim & Mark Pei
We are planning to reach out to SoundPrint, Yelp for noise, to share our noise pollution story and putting something together for International Noise Awareness Day (April 25th). This is our attempt to take our campaign from local to international.
Noise pollution WAS the pollution nobody had heard of, now everyone is talking about it—at least in Utica.
