The UN estimates that more than 250 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050.  In the context of increased migration and 'statelessness', Other Us is an exploration of the formation and survival of a future independent nation.

In the second half of the 20th century humans have ventured onto water to live in floating island habitations.  Solas is a raft state located in the North Atlantic.  The project explores the process of building a state and gaining the recognition required for long term economic and legal survival.

An established criteria for statehood: defined territory; permanent population; government; and capacity to enter into relations with  other states is used as a framework to create tangible future artefacts.  Rather than the practical survival aspects of life on an artificial island, the project instead aims to look at the long term priorities and financial incentives.  It is a critical exploration of the implications of marginalising and isolating displaced people.

Photo credit: Tom Mannion (in cabinet) Nilou Estfandiary  (grey background) Katy Shand (all others)

Created in collaboration with (Un)Known Collective, Home Sweet Home is a response to the UK’s ongoing housing crisis.  The project is a materialisation of the collective's ten week residency at ArtEZ, The Netherlands.

What impact will minimal living spaces have on our personal wellbeing?

The UK builds the smallest new homes in Europe.  In their 2017 White Paper on housing the government outlined plans to further relax the legal minimum space standard.  In response to pressure on urban housing, apartments as small as 13 m2 will be marketed as an affordable and sustainable living option.    

But in a confined living environment, basic personal needs such as privacy, space and time to be alone are compromised.  (According to the housing charity Shelter, 92% of families in overcrowded homes said lack of space for privacy was a main concern.)

With their Home Sweet Home collection (Un)Known aim to question the impact of tiny living spaces on our intimate relationships, our sense of privacy and emotional wellbeing.

UNLeash is a global innovation forum with the aim of finding ways to acheive the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals..... coming soon!

Top: Embroidery Sample

Middle: Paper London A/W14

Bottom: Mungo Gurney S/S13