Alternative Life Departure

Typically, an average of 55 million people die annually, presently, this number is substantially increasing due to COVID-19. End of life is often dealt with in one of two ways in Western Society: burial or cremation; both of which retain severe environmental implications. Burial and cremation methods have been traced back to 1400BC and AD 200, as technology advances, and the population exponentially increases these methods become glaringly archaic. Beyond the urgent environmental, and social responsibility that’s in need of being confronted, there is a secondary challenge of creating a place of remembrance and mourning for those left to grieve the loss. Is it possible to create an end-of-life experience that is both environmentally sustainable, and emotionally gratifying? Remaining unbiased and analyzing both the environmental, and emotional standing of such a sensitive topic is of upmost importance; interviewing a variety of groups ranging in age, gender, religious beliefs, and location can aid in the complete understanding of this challenge. This thesis offers an in-depth understanding of first-hand investigation with reference to existing practices through a series of Advisors. A one-to-one model will be developed in order to evaluate the functional ergonomics, establishing proper human factors, along with the analysis of full-bodied human interaction. Reviewing results from interviews and exploring human factors will guide this thesis to a design solution that encompasses an environmentally sustainable alternative for end-of-life. This solution will be respectful to both the deceased and grieving family, with a focus on creating a socially empathetic solution for those mourning.