‘Design in an Age of Crisis’, Ideas Competition
Client London Design Biennale x Chatham House
Location Somerset House
Design Collaboration with Sadie Clayton
Materials Copper

Looking at the increasing psychological impact of COVID-19 on our mental health alongside the reduction in critical treatments that could be administered at home, we have developed EMBRACE. Made of copper which has inherent hygienic and sanitisation qualities, we re-think how to make receiving treatment at home in a SAFE HAVEN. Where tactility and comfort bring a sense of UPLIFT and REJUVENATION. Distinctly curvilinear in shape, with intricate copper detailing to hold each element together, EMBRACE comes in two sizes : Shield and Cocoon.

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SHIELD acts as a versatile face mask or a beautiful fashion accessory : bringing comfort to the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients. Carefully crafted to create a sense of embrace, SHIELD has openings to see outward whilst providing a layer of security. It can act as a comfort blanket for patients and nurses to speak to one another whilst still having their faces covered. And its elegant form with intricately detailed copper weaving also makes it a statement fashion accessory for patients and nurses alike.

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Allowing patients to look outward and receive natural light, nurses can visit homes to administer care in an immersive copper environment that naturally heals and provides psychological comfort to the patient. Cleaned between each use, COCOON is easily assembled and can be both a permanent sculpture in a home for long-term care patients, or folds down to be packaged away into an emergency care vehicle for day-to-day care. Creating a sustainable and healthy sanctuary for each patient in the comfort of their own home.

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