Artificial Snow
Laurin Böhm
In Austria, heavy reliance on winter sports has resulted in a mono-industry, exclusively driving public interest in this sector. Climate change, however, has led to fewer snowy winters, resulting in investments in industrially manufactured artificial snow. Despite being portrayed as a natural process, the system consumes a staggering 16 trillion litres of drinking water, with 40% lost during the snowmaking process alone. It also alters natural water paths, diverting resources during times of scarcity. These swift construction projects, driven by public interest, are harming the Alpine ecosystem for short-term gains.
‘Artificial Snow’ features three objects illustrating the absurdity of these systems across different scales. Vertically, the objects illustrate rising economic value, driven by the systems and water they contain. Horizontally, they depict the repetition and accumulation of elements and systems.
Laurin Böhm was raised in an Alpine region of southernmost Germany and is currently a member of the Technogeographies Studio at the Design Academy Eindhoven. She has a penchant for working in the social sphere, transforming observations and research into tangible forms of engagement.
