Juckt mich nicht - A mosquito repellent jewelry collection.

BODY INTERACTION

Understanding the body and its interactions

Self-portrait in the style of Robert Mapplethorpe

Interaction with a cardboard box

Interaction with a friend through the sharing of a sweater

Interaction with a space by connecting two walls

Body Explorations

Textures

Everything I touched on Tuesday 21.03.23

Bed

Bed sheets

Phone

Hair

Hair Tie

Towel

Door

Doorknob

Clothes

Shower

Water

Shampoo

Conditioner

Hair

Shower gel

Toothbrush

Tootpaste

Face cream

Make up

Bowl

Fridge

Milk

Spoon

Hairdryer

Jacket

Shoes

Bag

Chair

Water bottle

Toilet paper

Soap

Door lock

Student ID

Wallet

Coffee Cup

Sugar

Tea Spoon

Book

Pencil

Earrings

Table Ibuprofen

Mensa door

Plate

Fork Glass

Pizza

Zucchini

Coca Cola

Chewing gum

Knife

Money

Pan

Apple Keys

Toilet

Light switch

Sofa

Computer

Broom

Sponge

Vacuum cleaner

Grass

Bagpack

Toilet door

Balcony door

Mattress

Cake

Poster

Tape

Plants

Watering can

Washing machine

Laundry

Bucket

Lemontree

Canvas

Napkin

Little Broom

Wall

Laptop

Laptop case

Toilet flush

Lemon Freezer

Cheese

Tortellini

Cutting board

Pot

Stove

Oven

Siracha

Bed

Make up remover

Little Towel

Pillow

Little Lamp

Bracelett

Rings

Melon

Banana Printer

BIg Pillow

Acrylic paint

Paint brush

Paper

Kitchen shelfs

Window

Poster

Tape

Glue

„Juckt mich nicht!“

A mosquito repellent jewelry collection.

This project focuses on an elegant and casual solution to protect individuals from mosquitoes. These ceramic wearables repel mosquitoes through the incorporation of natural scents. Ceramic is known for its ability to retain and diffuse scents over an extended period. This jewelry collection provides people with an effortless mosquito protection that seamlessly integrates into their daily lives.

Development of the projects topic:

Research Topic 1: How is the human body affected by climate change and how can we protect it?

Research Topic 2: Side effects of climate change

Research Topic 3: Mosquito populations expanding due to climate change

Final Research Question: How can we protect the body from mosquitoes?

Climate change continues to spread and is contributing to the mosquitoes spread. As temperatures rise, mosquito populations are expanding to new regions, including Europe, and this expansion is bringing tropical diseases with them. And as cities become greener nowadays, there‘s also the potential for more standing water, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. So the question arising is how we can protect ourselves. Currently there are several mosquito protection methods available to us. The most effective ones are insect repellents that are chemical-based. But these often cause skin irritations and other health affects. Another effective options are mosquito nets as they create a physical barrier between individuals and mosquitoes. However their usage might be impractical as people have to stay in certain places.

One of the main reasons mosquitoes feel atracted by humans is their smell. So how can this be turned around to use smell as a way to fight off mosquitoes?

The aim of the project is to design wearables that effectively repel mosquitoes. By integrading mosquito repellent smell in a form of jewellery, individuals could be provided with a seamless and hassle-free solution. It would offer an effortless integration into daily life.

Material Research:

Clay is an exeptional material for retaining smells due to its porous nature. When fired, its sponge-like texture enables it to absorb and hold essential oils. When these oils evaporate, the clay releases the fragrances into the surrounding air. It evaporates within some days and can then be reapplied. Some smells that repel mosquitoes are rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus or lemongrass that is used in this project.

Defining the boadyparts:

The project works as a series. I focused on the body parts that are most exposed to mosquitoes. This includes the anckles on the arms and legs, the collor and the ears. These are also parts of the body which are very warm, which means the oil can easily evaporate and the smell is released into the air.

05 Project Development

Mock ups

After many tries it was clear that working with just ceramic as a material would not be possible. The constanlty moving body and the rigid ceramics did not work together.

More sketches were done to understand the shapes of the elements and the parts of the body to work with.

The first step in realising the project was to work on the ceramic pieces. In this situation the form followed the material, which resulted in smaller, organic shaped elements. I used black and white clay and glazed it on one side. This makes the ceramic much more stable and gives a pleasant feeling on the skin. In addition, the essential oil can not pass through to the skin. The next step was to make the edging for the ceramic elements.

The second material used in this project is stainless steel. It is a strong yet dynamic material that does not rust when being in contact with the oil or stain the skin. The shiny steel contrasts with the rough ceramic, making it very aesthetically pleasing. For the edging, metal was cut in stripes and then bent by hand. For the closing the ends were welded together.

Based on the ceramic pieces the shapes for the wearables were laser cut.

After sanding and polishing, the elements were ready to be put together. For this, they were soldered.

Final Products

This element belongs on the lower leg. It keeps mosquitoes, which are often in the meadows, from flying up to the body.

These pieces should be worn behind the ear. This is one of the warmest parts of the body, which allows the oil to evaporate well and release the fragrance efficiently.

This necklace is located just below the collarbone, which is a perfect body part for the jewelry due to the warmth of the body.

This piece protects hands and wrists. After the hands are always exposed, the bangles are an effective protector against mosquito bites in this area. For greater protection, the ceramic elements can also be turned inward. The inner wrists are even warmer and increase the effectiveness.

„Juckt mich nicht“ is a carefully crafted series of ceramic wearables that serve as an elegant and casual solution to protect individuals from mosquitoes. Its ability to retain and diffuse natural scents over an extended period increases its value and effectiveness.

Recognizing the body parts most susceptible to mosquito bites, this collection places a strategic focus on the ankles, arms, legs, collar, and ears. By addressing these commonly exposed areas, it provides comprehensive protection against mosquitoes, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable experience.

The infusion of natural scents into each jewelry piece is what makes the pieces protective. Using the ceramic material's unique properties, this collection offers an effortless and seamless integration into individuals' daily lives. As wearers adorn themselves with these pieces, they not only benefit from the practicality of mosquito repellency but can also enjoy wearing beautiful jewelry.

The convergence of functionality, elegance, and convenience establishes this collection as a valuable asset in the realm of mosquito protection. With its potential to enhance the well-being and comfort of individuals, it opens up new possibilities.

References

Scent-infused ceramics by Natascia Fenoglio for perfume brand Les Eaux Primordiales at Milan design week, https:// www.dezeen.com/2023/04/21/dwa-design-studio-les-eauxprimordiales-milan-design-week/ 21.04.2023

https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_mosquitos_malaria_ and_education

https://www.ted.com/talks/bart_knols_3_new_ways_to_ kill_mosquitoes

https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/ stories/explainer-how-climate-change-amplifying-mosquito-borne-diseases

https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/general-informationabout-mosquitoes

Sozialgenossenschaft Manu, Bozen