Posted Thursday 12 September 2013
Born from her desire to compare the life cycles of plants and people, the brief saw the 23 year old from Seoul, South Korea, explore the care given to babies to see if she could invoke similar feelings of responsibility for tiny green seedlings.
"We can learn so much about caring for people by taking an interest in plants and their growth," Alice said. "People already talk to plants, and that reminded me of how pet owners behave with dogs and cats in their homes too - treating them like children. I wondered whether a plant could be like a member of the family too and decided to test out people's reactions by creating the pregnancy vest," she explained.
With a precious plant perched in its very own protective pouch, Alice said wearers of the vest became aware of just how fragile the seedling was. The most important aspect, she added, was to feel the inconvenience of the vest. "Awareness of its intricate roots and little leaves reminded people just how delicate the plant was, and that its very survival required their close attention," she said.
Alice doesn't intend to market the vest but plans to draw on the lessons she has learned for future projects. "It's not designed to be sold. I wanted to investigate how design could prompt feelings of responsibility and care, and I found it inspiring to observe people's responses," Alice explained. "The birth and growth process for plants and humans have so many similarities, I wanted to give everyone the experience of carrying something that vulnerable, something that relied on them for survival, and then find out how they felt about it," she said.
Now back in her native South Korea, Alice is looking for a job designing interior products. "My time at Kingston University really pushed me to stretch my understanding of design and the power it holds in society," she said. "I feel I have accomplished so much in my time studying in London and can't wait to launch my career."
12 November 2024
12 November 2024
11 November 2024