It is now December and we are in limbo, that period between Thanksgiving and the end of the semester, that period of time where so much work is to be done. Actor-network theory. Project deadlines. Synthesis of synthesis. Finals.
The actor theory network is a fundamental aspect of our environmental analysis. It illustrates the interdisciplinary nature of our work because of connects all of the different parties and affiliates together, names their relationships, and points them all towards one common, tightly-knotted object with serious ramifications. We learned, both by Google-searching “actor network theory” and by observing those of our classmates, that ANT maps are varied. They have many different styles and there really is no template to be used to organize all of the actors of any object. To each object its own ANT map.
It was really awesome to visualize our project in this way. We were able to connect Lights Out Portland to birds and humans, to energy, to architecture, and governmental policies and more. The visual way that ANT maps make you think truly broadcasts the creative nature of interdisciplinary studies. This class is cool because you get to show some really incredible, beautiful, clean, and informational images that are organized for clear communication. In my studies, combining English literature (words words words) and environmental studies (everything under the sun, including the sun), the importance of clear communication and the true art of displaying your work coalesce.
Our project is gaining traction. We have been able to show that Portland is indeed an important bird area where migrating birds tend to get lost and die on their route on the Pacific Flyway. We have been able to gain an understanding on the relationship between humans safety (crime) and outdoor lighting. Statistical analysis, which we all know is not my forte, would actually have been very useful coming to a more objective (if this is truly possible) conclusion. However, I believe that narrative analysis and spatial mapping have a very fundamental, equally valid role to play in the environmental analysis game.
In order to view the extend of our project work you can visit this site.