Yuchen Cao

This project is a speculative design endeavor that reimagines the ecological environment of the nuclear radiation exclusion zone surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant from a non-human perspective. Due to the accumulation of vast amounts of unmanageable nuclear waste on the ground within the radiation exclusion zone, although humans have long evacuated the area, numerous wildlife species are still prone to encountering this radioactive waste. Frequent contact and radiation exposure of local wildlife pose significant threats to their health, reproduction, and ecological integrity. Hence, in this project, I integrated knowledge from ecology, animal behavior, and acoustics, collaborating with researchers from relevant fields.

By designing an artificial device that emits a special frequency sound capable of inducing fear in wildlife without the need for artificial energy sources, I propose a novel hypothesis for mitigating the environmental consequences of the nuclear disaster. Ultimately, this hypothesis is presented using virtual reality technology, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the role of wildlife, experiencing firsthand the severity of the nuclear waste issue and the potential impact of this design solution in addressing environmental problems.

This research examines the ecological impact of nuclear disasters on wildlife. I aim to develop a fear-inducing device to protect wildlife in nuclear disaster zones from the harmful effects of radiation. During a site visit to the Fukushima nuclear power plant area, I observed the extensive storage of nuclear waste in bags and barrels. Despite government measures, wildlife remains exposed to high radiation levels without adequate protection. To address this, my project investigates animal fear instincts and designs artifacts to trigger instinctive fear in animals near the nuclear waste storage area, offering crucial protection for wildlife in the region.

In some studies, such as Dean Mobbs and LeDoux JE explore fear behavior in animals. Fear is described as a conscious response to danger, crucial for survival in different environments. Animals experience fear when perceiving threats, leading to defensive actions like running and screaming. Predation avoidance is a key factor driving this fear response across species. In the contaminated area near Fukushima, wild animals also fear predation and natural predators. A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that animals genetically possess a fear response, triggered by the sudden approach of a dark shadow resembling a predator. Understanding animal fear aids in comprehending their survival strategies in the face of threats.

To deter wild animals from approaching the nuclear waste storage, an innovative device was developed. It projected fast, unpredictable shadows over the dump area, aiming to prevent animals from becoming accustomed to them. Inspired by the physics concept of the "pendulum wave," the device featured random and disorderly movements. Positioned above the storage facility, a nuclear battery, utilizing the energy from radioactive decay, provided a continuous power supply for the device, potentially lasting for centuries. This solution aimed to protect wildlife from the hazards of the nuclear waste while utilizing sustainable and long-lasting energy sources.