Future humans grown in artificial wombs could replace the embrace of a parent with Heavy Duty Love, a machine created by sci-fi designer Lucy McRae for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021.
The cushioned machine completely surrounds its occupant in a supportive embrace, helping them to become more comfortable with contact and intimacy.
The machine surrounds the user with cushions
Los Angeles-based McRae imagines it could compensate for a lack of human contact in early life, which could become a reality in the near future. Scientists believe that artificial wombs will be developed within the next decade.
"I made this machine because I am curious about the human consequences of bypassing the womb and that first hug of a 'mother'," McRae explained. "[I'm] envisioning a new generation of children having radically different formative years, developing new types of sensitivities and neurobiological quirks. Heavy Duty Love questions whether these future sensitive humans will find new ways for intimacy and togetherness."
A sliding mechanism allows a final set of cushions to be placed in front of the user
The machine can be used by two people at a time. They stand themselves within a frame of cushions, position their legs and arms within the straps, then the machine operators slide a section of the machine to place a final layer of cushions into place in front of them.
The cushions are made from tarpaulin, carpet underlay and industrial velcro.
It is designe...