Rachy McEwan
Money Trees
Money Trees aims to increase the value and autonomy of urban trees in London, reducing the likelihood of their removal. Trees are a vital living being for both human and ecological health. However, current systems often fail to accurately value their worth, leading to their removal with little or no fee.
Visitors of the Money Trees website are encouraged to take photos of various trees around London from different angles. These photographs are transformed into 3D digital assets and uploaded onto a mapping system. The digital trees can be purchased in pixels, allowing many people to own parts of the same asset. The money collected supports the maintenance of the trees. If a physical tree is cut down, the funds accumulated from the digital asset will be reinvested into the community for tree replanting.
The installation of Money Trees features an interactive display showcasing community involvement and an immersive audio experience of the xylem within the tree’s trunk.
By merging art, technology, and a passion for the environment, Money Trees seeks not only to safeguard urban trees but also highlights their vital economic and ecological role.
Experts and Collaborators
Data: Treeconomics
Community Group: NoticeThisTree
Touch Designer: Niki Zaupa
Coding: Felix Loftus
Audio: Lou Terry