Now it is June and the Nightingale Hospital at the Excel is mothballed. In the UK we are looking forward; watching for the numbers of people with the virus to fall. Waiting for us all to feel free from the fears and uncertainties caused by Covid. What does the future hold – that is positive? Whilst everything has been on hold, change seems to be swift. Be it on inequality, the environment and in what we all choose to value and invest in.
How should designers and creative people respond? Some of the issues that were already a concern to designers, but they now seem in sharp focus. The clear blue skies in London highlighted how polluted the air had become. Upcycling was not new in fact the fashion may have been waning; but we are rediscovering and revaluing what we have; friends and family, the objects things and places that surround us. Not stripping and repurposing but now we are appreciating the work and skills required to make something in the past. We are also revaluing the benefits of materials like plastics and disposable products. We are learning about materials that can protect us when needed but also looking for alternatives that will biodegrade safely and protect the oceans.
Our homes and gardens have been our bolt holes and we have sought to make them comfortable for us, rather than see them as an asset to be invested in and sold on. Comfort and objects that express who we are and more possibly more important to status and the latest style? Personal appearances have become less important. We are dressing when it matters to us not when we are required to do so. We found new ways to connect and share ideas, but also discovered old ones like the letter and the placard.
Designers have turned to both new and old technology to make a difference. They are making things with 3-D printers and sewing machines. Our work with National Parks has involved us in designing with not only an environmental focus but also an appreciation of the health and social benefits of open spaces. Our work with Macclesfield’s silk heritage, makes us appreciate using quality materials and designing for longevity. Fast fashion was being questioned. Will the Primark queues on the opening of retail seen as crazy a response as bulk buying of toilet paper did three months ago!?
Slow food and slow fashion? We have been designing tools for bakers and crafters for the last decade. People will continue to make and keep things they value, and designers need to understand what matters to us all and it comes in many forms and the new makers often look to designers to show them how!