LUMOSCURA SMOG MASK

source: stefliudesign
Inspired by shimmering white peacock feathers under the sun and luminescent bodies in the depths of the sea, Lumoscura is a smart mask that challenges the aesthetic and function of normal smog masks seen today. Masks have always been associated with disease, fear and negativity. Some wear it in public to hide their identities, in reality it attracts attention and can generate fear and stress amongst those in their immediate surroundings. As air pollution becomes more and more of an issue in many countries, people have begun to surrender to wearing a mask for the sake of their health, however there are still a lot of people who do not wear masks for many reasons- the top three being unattractive, uncomfortable and repelling people. Given that air quality cannot be changed in a short amount of time and breathing polluted air can cause numerous diseases, even death. How can we redesign the mask so that it not only makes the wearer physically and emotionally more comfortable, but also give off a friendly, harmless vibe to those around so to encourage more to wear one? Lumoscura attempts to provide a solution to the problem through an understanding of user experience and emotional design.

Augmented Body Studio, RISD Wintersession 2015

Professors: Catherine Andreozzi, Brian Kane, Ludovico Lombardi and Francis Bitonti

The project started off as an exploration of wearable devices on the head and face Why do we wear these objects and what is the functional purpose?

INITIAL CONCEPT

The first concept came about while brainstorming human needs in relation to senses and looking at what parts of the face does a mask cover: how can the functional aspect be maximized in the area. The concept was designed around a set of molded clear panels that heated up to protect the face from extreme weather conditions. When not in use, the panels fold back to the top of the head and the product can be used as a regular pair of headphones. An air purification system can be added to the product to combat pm 2.5 pollutants in the air. Clear masks are less intimidating and the distance from the wearers face gives wearers the freedom to communicate and express emotions.

At this point I took a turn and decided to look into the aesthetic and conceptual side of mask design. There are many cultures in the world that practice head and face covering for the purpose of guarding a woman’s chastity. In these instances, the face can no longer be recognized however the eyes still draw attention. In a way, masks are also an object of seduction playing on people’s curiosity for what cannot be seen.

I began to look at masks as fashion adornments that are mysterious, elegant or daring. I also looked at creatures in nature that attract attention in various ways for reasons such as mating, communication, luring prey and self defense. The white peacock and the luminescent jellyfish then became my inspiration for the next concept.

Experimenting with fiber optics to create feathering effect and creating sketch models for form, then reducing complexity of form for practicality.

Concept changed from rotating panels on a headphone structure to a simple mask that has a sound component going into the ear.

Model created to determine size and fit of mask. Decided that the side panel material would be a soft silicone so it can better fit the curves of faces. This allows the panels to be 3D printed flat and casted later. The fiber optics were arranged and bundled so that they shoot of in desired direction.

MODELMAKING PROCESS

Side panels 3D printed on Makerbot and casted using silicone. Mask was vacuum formed, molded and casted also using silicone. Fiber optics attached to mask using tubing and connected to two Lilypad battery holders. Explored laser cutting for side panel options.
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source: theguardian
Sculpted, pristine and sparking with fibre optics, this mask is certainly a breath of fresh air for wearable tech, bringing style to the problem of pollution.

Recently on show at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Fashion 4wrd exhibition, the Lumoscura mask is the idea of designer Stephanie Liu, who created the piece this year while completing her industrial design degree at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Liu believes it is time to turn the mundane health accessory into a fashion statement, endowing them with a softer, mysterious look and dispelling both the variable efficacy and harsh, impersonal – even threatening – appearance of existing masks. “A lot of my family is still back in China and they are complaining about pollution every day, but they don’t want to wear some of the masks out there because some of them are not very effective, and are also not breathable or not hygienic,” said Liu. “Everyone is looking for a more fashionable option and also effective too.”

While the Lumoscura mask was produced using hi-tech methods ranging from 3D-printing to vacuum-forming, New Zealand-born Liu cites nature as her muse. “This piece was particularly inspired by peacock feathers and underwater creatures that glow, so I was looking to a lot of natural creatures that could attract attention in a positive way,” she says. What’s more, Liu envisages a future where pollution sensors could be incorporated into the mask, with the fibre-optic accessories offering both real-time feedback on air quality and a way to communicate with other mask-wearers.

But while such enhancements are still on the drawing board, Liu is developing a commercial line, originally designed for her senior thesis, that offers wearers the chance to express their personality in a more analogue way, featuring a see-through mask and a variety of intricate side straps. “The pieces on the side would be interchangeable so you could change it according to what you like or what you are wearing today,” she says. “That’s a more viable product.”
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source: stefliudesign
Stef Liu (Stephanie) is a recent graduate from Rhode Island School of Design where she completed her Bachelor degree in Fine Arts with Honors. Although majoring in Industrial Design, Stef believes that it is important to practice and be trained in a multi-disciplinary fashion. Her projects and work experience range from fashion accessories, consumer product design and development to graphic and user experience design.

Stef has always been fascinated with the way humans interact with each other, objects around her and her environment. She strives to bring this sensitivity into her work, seeking balance between form, function and emotion to create objects and experiences that are memorable, desirable and meaningful. During her senior year at RISD, Stef began exploring the intersection of fashion and technology. Her conceptual smog mask “Lumoscura” was featured on Designboom and The Guardian respectively.

Stef enjoys being at the frontier of fashion, yet believes that good design should not follow trends blindly. She has an appreciation for elegant and clean design styles that can withstand the test of time.