Às margens do meia-ponte: design social em animação

Abstract

This dissertation explores the use of social design in creating an original animation titled "Às Margens do Meia-Ponte”, aiming to raise awareness about the impacts of deforestation in the Cerrado and the resulting water crisis in the Meia-Ponte River, the main water source for the Greater Goiânia region. The animation's narrative is guided by the perspective of a capybara, a Cerrado inhabitant, who witnesses the environmental damage caused by human actions, such as pollution and uncontrolled urban expansion. The research employs social design concepts to bridge art with social and environmental issues, proposing a critical reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature. The methodology includes studies of real-life cases, such as the Expedição Rio MeiaPonte report, integrated into the creative process for the development of settings and characters, akin to the approach seen in Steve Cutts’ works. The short film, produced in 2D animation, presents a sensitive aesthetic and a narrative tone that blends critique with visual poetics. By addressing the importance of environmental preservation in an accessible and impactful manner, the study contributes to the dialogue between art, social design, and sustainability, reaffirming the role of critical animation as a tool for social mobilization.