While not the first solution that covers the whole head, the iSphere takes on the form of its title, surrounding the user's head in a transparent sphere to protect from unwanted contraction of airborne disease.
Project description by Plastique Fantastique
The Coronavirus is changing our relation to each other and affecting our perception of reality.
This virus is very democratic: it spreads over the borders, has no preference for gender, social, cultural, or economic status.
In this time of lockdown, we wonder about the mutation of our social life and the effects of the deprivation of physical touch.
The iSphere
Starting from April 27th 2020, it is mandatory to cover mouth and nose in public transports in Berlin. The iSphere is an open-source project that everybody can produce, develop and improve. We taped 2 transparent hollow hemispheres together and cut a hole that fits our heads. The whole procedure took approx. 30 minutes and the costs for the material are around 24,- € (please refer to our tutorial). Additional gadgets can give a unique touch to any iSphere: it can have a sunshade, a mirrored layer, an integrated microphone, a speaker, a ventilator, or a snorkel.
The iconic design is inspired by the science fiction comics of the 50s and the creations of the utopian movements of the 60s; it is pop, and it belongs to everybody. The iSphere is a funny and serious object that stimulates how to approach this exceptional situation.
