“The Mass of the World” is an interactive data visualization that answers three questions: How much do living organisms weigh? Where do we fit into this world? And what mark do we leave on it? The tool reveals a striking contrast: although the biological mass of humanity is minuscule, the mass of our creations (plastics, concrete) now equals that of all living organisms on Earth. A dynamic treemap illustrates these proportions, allowing users to instantly compare the weight of nature with that of our creations.
Controlled via a smartphone, the interface allows users to navigate the data, compare specific elements, and observe the evolution of anthropogenic mass from 1900 to 2037. This project transforms complex figures into an intuitive experience, visually illustrating humanity’s growing impact on the planet.
Teacher
Gaël Hugo