Amazonia: A Worst Case Scenario Shop, was a project produced by Grey Area Collective. The pop up shop displayed products designed and imagined for the not so distant future when climate change continues to more and more drastically effect the lives of New Yorkers. Sometimes humorous, sometimes ominous the products aimed to serve as a reminder of the very real challenges that will face us all very soon if action on climate change isn’t taken. In the products Ms. Johnstone-Mosher designed for Amazonia she aimed for a mix of whimsy and practicality.
The Water Harvest Jacket addresses issues with flooding from increasingly heavy rains. During these disasters infrastructure breaks down and despite the excess of water, there is little potable water for humans to drink. This raincoat collects rainwater and stores it for later consumption.
Water is stored in a series of interconnected chambers that spread across the surface of the jacket, distributing the weight of the water throughout the garment. The catchment chambers and funnel are made of a reflective fabric providing safety when visibility is compromised. The tap, connected to the lowermost water chamber, allows for easy access to collected water and also encourages sharing of water in a way that a straw wouldn’t.
Summers are getting longer and hotter, increasing energy demand and leading to more frequent brownouts and blackouts. Power-Sol is an energy harvesing parasol that provides much needed power and shade. Equipped with solar panels, the Power-Sol allows charging through the handle. The multiple port types in the handle encourage power sharing, underlining the importance of helping one another in difficult times.
Spikaqueen Waders are a tongue in cheek response to increased instances of flooding around the country and those who, as these events become common, refuse to compromise style in the face of a little natural disaster. Made of rubber and equipped with a Gore-Tex coated stocking that tucks inside the boot when not in use, the wearer is highly protected during that treacherous morning commute.
Designed with a CO2 cartridge, just like instant inflatable safety gear for humans, this pet collar turns into a life preserver for a beloved pet. Wearable in its compact state by a pet when disaster is brewing, the owner need only unzip the casing and pull the tab to ensure their pet’s buoyancy.