Absolute Social Spacing

COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our lives as it can cause immense human suffering, and challenge the most basic foundations of societal well-being. Beyond the rapid impacts on health, businesses, and jobs, this drastic situation is increasing people’s anxiety and concern. COVID-19 has been effecting not only laypersons but also members of religious community namely monks, nuns and lay practitioners. In Buddhist religion community, the official COVID-19 pandemic response includes conventional emergency health and sanitation measures like recommending  for face masks, hand-washing and social distancing.  Because the routine schedule for monks and nuns are different and varied, therefore, health concern and safety are prioritized. Social distancing as well as sanitation should be well managed within Buddhist community.

Concurrently, plastic pollution is also one of the major problems in Thailand, as well as a global issue, effecting  land and marine environments. The human’s reliance on plastics can cause immeasurable environmental damage. Hence, “Absolute Social Spacing” is intentionally designed to serve the current situation. It is a compact multi-functional tupik tent that is designed for monks, nuns and lay practitioners to be used in an air-conditioned room or an indoor space during their dhamma retreat. The upcycled fabric is meticulously selected for “Absolute Social Spacing” made from plastic bottles. The bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can only be used. In the manufacturing process, the fabric is the mixture between cotton fiber and zinc oxide nanoparticle, transforming them into nano fabric. Furthermore, it provides anti-odor properties as they are sewn with antibacterial polyester zinc strands. As a result, the fabric becomes soft, smooth, breathable and quick dry.

The upcycled fabric “Absolute Social Spacing” is designed for monks, nuns and lay practitioners to be used in an air-conditioned room or indoor space during their meditating and perform chanting. This aims to reduce some of their anxieties associated with COVID-19 pandemic. “Absolute Social Spacing” incorporates multiple-purpose product design including tupik tent, meditation cushion and buff headwear with which users can find comfort, privacy, safeguard and tranquility.