LA-based creative studio Production Club has designed a hazmat suit called Micrashell that caters to the decadent needs of party-goers in the age of coronavirus. Marisa Cannon reports
Comprising an air-tight top suit and helmet, Production Club’s Micrashell PPE suit has a number of functions designed to facilitate a party environment, with a built-in sound system, wireless voice communication and a disposable drinks and vape system.
“The Micrashell was born from concern for our community, and concern about reckless social behaviour,” Miguel Risueño, the studio’s head of inventions, told design and architecture website Dezeen.
“After witnessing the events industry fall into an unprecedented recession, and seeing large groups of people ignore social distancing directives in order to go out and party, we felt obligated to address both issues and find a solution that benefited all,” he added.
An internal sound system plays music in three modes: dry (directly streamed from the DJ or band), wet (as an emulation of the room’s sound based on psychoacoustics), or as a pass-through from the room via the suit’s embedded microphones.
Users can also link their phone to the suit’s in-built camera system so it can take photos and videos from another angle, while a “chest eye” system allows them to see in real time things that your suit or helmet might not be able to.
Will the suit actually come to market and if so, how much will it cost?
Riseuño told Globetrender: “Yes, we are already immersed in the internal prototyping phase, which we do in-house as a way to throw light on issues might have gone unnoticed to us during the design process. Doing this allows us to be more descriptive with manufacturers and fabricators – which is the next step – and give them specific details regarding the challenges they are about to face.
“We foresee a high adoption rate as Micrashell addresses a major human need that requires a prompt solution. We’ve had various industries like film, construction and more reach out as they see the potential for Micrashell to alleviate the impact of COVID on their industries.
“Once the suit is ready, the intention is for it to be commercialised following a B2B model instead of B2C. The idea is for corporations, venues, and entertainment groups to absorb the costs of the Micrashell and provide them to consumers when they gather in groups for events (such as concerts and conferences), which will also help with ensuring proper sterilisation. The price is still TBD.”