designlibero

Libero Rutilo, b. Montreal, Canada, lives and works in Milan, Italy; Ekaterina Shchetina, b. Krasnodar, Russia, lives and works in Milan, Italy; Studio founded 2013, Milan, Italy

Bubble shield, 2020

thermic welded ETFE, electric, solar power

This international duo designs objects and spaces, distinguished by a sleek, back-to-the-future aesthetic, often with humorous commentary embedded. The full body bubble shield—plastic, inflatable, made from thermic-welded ETFE—is electric and solar powered to inflate the micro-structure. A battery pack located in the backpack acts as power supply for an air pump compressor and fan coils, which purify the air through interchangeable filters. The bubble is composed of two halves, attached by an easy-open zipper, allowing users to step in to and out of their own personal protective unit.