360 Pre-Production

The pre-production for the 360 VR group consisted of recording footage of the Microforest at the Bette Davis picnic area. Multiple videos and photos were taken from different parts of the microforest to ensure that the viewer will feel as much of an immersive experience as possible. Along with the footage that was taken, the 360 VR group wrote a rough draft of the script that will be used for the narration portion of the 360 video. For the continuing weeks of the project, the photos and videos will be edited to fit the timeline of the narration. The narration will also be recorded to go over the videos/photos. Shown below are photos of the Microforest at the Bette Davis picnic area alongside a photo of the rough draft script.

Microforest Scripts

Narrator: Welcome to Griffith Park, where a micro forest has been planted to combat the effects of urbanization on our environment. This small-scale forest ecosystem is home to a variety of native plant species, attracting insects, birds, and other wildlife to the heart of the city. As you explore the micro forest, you'll notice the air feels fresher and cooler, thanks to the trees and vegetation absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This oasis in the city offers a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike, reminding us of the importance of preserving our natural environment even in urban areas.

You are seeing a Miyawaki forest, a kind of artificial forest that Botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki invented in Japan in the 1970s. Miyawaki noted that forests with high levels of biodiversity or resilience were not produced by the conventional approach of regeneration, which involved planting a single type of tree in rows. In order to emulate the local environment, he created a novel technique that required planting a variety of native trees in small patches. He named this technique "potential natural vegetation." The trees would eventually develop into a thick forest with numerous strata and a variety of plant and animal species. Miyawaki forests are now utilized in several nations to improve degraded land and boost biodiversity.

At California State University Northridge, the Sustainability Center plans to grow the first microforest on campus. The idea is to give exposure to micro forests by having it in an area where there is constant foot traffic and educate more students on the importance of Micro Forests and their potential benefits to the environment of CSUN. The Sustainability Center hopes to, in turn, grow popularity and passion towards micro forests.