Need to Know
22 : 06 : 20

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 – 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.

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.