Design Futures - 3rd Year Project
Design Futures - 3rd Year Project from Sean Fraser
Design Futures - 3rd Year Project

This project was centred around speculative design, where I developed the burial rituals of the future. Based on the concept of Microbial Fuel Cells, the deceased will be encased in mycelium eggs etched with symbols of their lives, before being lowered into a grave that utilises microorganisms to convert their remains into electrical energy. The aim of this project was to take a dark idea and create an almost uplifting "religious" experience from it, where the different components make use of symbolism of rebirth and power. Different cultures and burial practices from around the world were researched in detail to develop a respectful series of practices that honour and pay tribute to those becoming part of the system, where families are still able to visit the site and pay their respects.

The graves will be arranged in a circular pattern with a water feature in the centre.
The grave itself is designed to be reminiscent of the profile of a coffin, wider at the top and tapering towards the bottom. This will be constructed from both granite and 3D printed aluminium, etched with a symbol representing the sun.
These "tombstones" are constructed from granite, with 3D printed titanium handles spiralling down to the base. The orb located at the top features a screen showing those that have been buried at this specific site.
The "tombstone" can be unhooked from the main panel on the ground, allowing for maintenance or replacing the cathode of the circuit when necessary.
As part of the ritual, the orb is removed from the tombstone and taken for the information about the deceased individual to be added. Once the egg has been lowered into the grave, the orb is replaced, concluding the ceremony.
The egg is placed on the top of this cradle, where it is then lowered into the grave chamber under the ground to be processed.
I took the time to research logograms and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to develop the symbols used to identify the individual.
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Design Futures - 3rd Year Project

This project was centred around speculative design, where I developed the burial rituals of the future. Based on the concept of Microbial Fuel Cells, the deceased will be encased in mycelium eggs etched with symbols of their lives, before being lowered into a grave that utilises microorganisms to convert their remains into electrical energy. The aim of this project was to take a dark idea and create an almost uplifting "religious" experience from it, where the different components make use of symbolism of rebirth and power. Different cultures and burial practices from around the world were researched in detail to develop a respectful series of practices that honour and pay tribute to those becoming part of the system, where families are still able to visit the site and pay their respects.

Available
Freelance, Full-time
Sean Fraser
Product Designer London, United Kingdom