News 22.06.2020

Need to Know

Bathing is re-imagined for LGBT+ inclusivity, Japan encourages imagination travel and Gen Z drive Black Lives Matter activism.

These baths challenge heteronormative architecture

The baths for queer defense and [de]liberation by Reily Joel Calderón Rivera, Puerto Rico
The baths for queer defense and [de]liberation by Reily Joel Calderón Rivera, Puerto Rico
The baths for queer defense and [de]liberation by Reily Joel Calderón Rivera, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico – Designer Reily Joel Calderón Rivera has envisaged more inclusive public bathrooms for the University of Puerto Rico.

The conceptual space champions protection, defence and deliberation within the LGBT+ community, using intelligent architectural design to promote relaxation and freedom. Designed as a form of protest against the university’s controversial history among marginalised groups, the space features a variety of inclusive elements, such as nooks for exploring gender performativities.

Described as a ‘protective wall’, the space is designed to protect the people inside, as well providing terraces for transgender people to sunbathe and a social media observation tower allowing people to seek transphobic online activity.

As heteronormativity loses its default position, architects are experimenting with spatial design to empower marginalised groups. For more, explore the rise of Kink Architecture in Pleasure Revolution.

Japan’s railway promotes at-home escapism

Sunset at Mount Fuji on Google Maps, Japan Sunset at Mount Fuji on Google Maps, Japan
Adachi Museum of Art Zen Garden on Google Maps, Japan Adachi Museum of Art Zen Garden on Google Maps, Japan

Japan – JRPass has launched a virtual travel initiative to encourage people to experience iconic Japanese sites via Google Maps.

Created as a way of maintaining travel momentum during Covid-19, the country's railway group announced the initiative as an Instagram challenge, inviting hopeful travellers to digitally experience Japan's top tourist destinations through Google Maps. These ‘travel testers’ can be paid £200 ($247, €218) for their review of virtual destinations.

The concept of the campaign is to entice potential travellers with future travel opportunities, while tapping into the potential for online escapism.

As travel opportunities remain limited in the inter-Covid period, tourism brands are encouraging travellers to engage in new forms of discovery and escapism. For more, read Imagination Travel.

Hanifa celebrates Congolese fashion with 3D collection

US – The fashion brand has launched a 3D collection, Pink Label Congo, inspired by traditional Congolese dress.

The collection was revealed via a live fashion show on Instagram, in place of the brand’s scheduled runway spot at New York Fashion Week. Brand founder Anifa Mvuemba created each garment as a 3D rendering and fitted these to an avatar. By hosting the show on social media, Hanifa gave viewers of all backgrounds a front-row seat to a typically hierarchical event, attracting some 10,000 viewers.

‘I wanted it to happen in real time, so that viewers could experience it the way they would at a real fashion show,’ says Mvuemba. ‘If you were there, you were there.’

The fashion industry is being forced to accelerate the creation of Immaterial Fashion solutions to sustainability issues, particularly with the physical limitations placed on them by Covid-19.

Pink Label Congo by Hanifa @hanifaofficial, US

Stat: Generation Z are at the forefront of Black Lives Matter

3D scans of protestors by Débora Silva 3D scans of protestors by Débora Silva

According to a study led by Business Insider, in collaboration with Yubo and StuDocu, 90% of American Generation Z support the Black Lives Matter movement.

The majority of this group – 77% – have also attended protests to show solidarity. Of those who attended protests, some 62% said they were willing to be arrested during a peaceful protest to support the need for racial equality. They are also taking to social media in order to pledge their alliance with black communities, with 73% using Instagram to express their support.

Reflecting this generation’s penchant for activism, Generation Z have been at the forefront of the nation’s recent anti-racism demonstrations. For brands, ways of enacting positive change include wealth distribution and improved workplace practices. To find out more, explore our resources for Supporting Black Communities.

Previous News Articles
Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

News

Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show invites visitors to interact with AI-enabled trees in the Avanade Intelligent Garden.
Technology : Nature : Sustainability
ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

News

ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

ITV is pushing the boundaries of inclusive storytelling with the launch of its new prime time drama Code of Silence, starring BAFTA-winning actor a...
Media : Diversity : Inclusion
Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

News

Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

The rising cost of living and unaffordable housing are fuelling a surge in adult children returning to the family home.
Family : Home : Youth
Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

News

Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

Manchester City Football Club has marked the launch of its 2025/2026 home kit with a short film that playfully blends football fandom, nostalgia an...
Sports : Design : Creative
Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

News

Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

Second-hand platform Vinted has overtaken Amazon and Kiabi to become France’s top clothing retailer by sales volume, according to new data from the...
Fashion : Sustainability : Retail
Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

News

Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

As consumers’ desire for in-person connection increases, nearly half of UK shoppers now prefer to shop in-store, according to new research.
Stats : Stat : Retail
China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

News

China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

The sports apparel and equipment sector continues to be one of the highest-growth key consumer sectors in China, according to brand agency Hot Pot ...
China : Sports : HotPot China
Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

News

Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

Dating app Hinge is expanding its storytelling strategy with the second instalment of its No Ordinary Love campaign.
Dating : Substack : Pop Culture And Media
Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

News

Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

As some businesses have been quietly rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, new data shows consumers want brands to step up...
Stat : Statistic : Dei
Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

News

Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

A team of students from Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire has won the Design Museum’s Design Ventura 2025 competition with Loopy Loom, a ...
Design : Sustainability : Circularity
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN