The project «When People Fall Silent» is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has survived an ecological catastrophe. Due to human greed and excessive resource consumption, Earth is on the brink of extinction, and attempts to restore the ecosystem have led to the emergence of toxic flora. While robots establish their own settlements amidst the ruins of the old world, the planet’s surface remains dangerous for humans. Nature is slowly reclaiming its territory, but its new form has become unpredictable and hostile.
As a prop, I chose pruning shears—a tool designed for cutting hazardous vegetation. In a world where mutant plants pose an existential threat, they become a crucial piece of the main character’s gear. The object unites practical function with the specifics of the surrounding world: its construction must be ergonomic for use in dangerous conditions, and its appearance must reflect the character’s personality and the aesthetic of the post-apocalyptic setting.
Experience interacting with the subject
The experience of interacting with the secateurs is built upon the heroine’s changing emotional state. Confronted with the carnivorous plant, she feels anxious and vulnerable. However, the appearance of the tool gives her a sense of control over the situation and boosts her self-confidence. Eliminating the threat brings relief and satisfaction: the secateurs become not just an instrument, but a means of overcoming danger and restoring a sense of security.
Main character
Esperanza Fernando-Diaz is a bioengineer specializing in polymers and ecological materials. After emerging from a cryopod, she finds herself in a world that her own scientific advancements inadvertently helped to ruin. Armed with her engineering knowledge and investigative mindset, Esperanza strives to find a way to eliminate the toxicity of new plants and restore a safe ecosystem. Her character embodies scientific rationality, practicality, and an inner drive to correct the mistakes of the past.
Moodboard
Silhouette Search
Sketches
The core of the pruner’s design is a spring mechanism with a cable drive. When the ring is tightened, the cable moves an internal movable component connected to the blades, causing them to meet and enabling the cutting motion. Upon releasing the ring, the spring returns the mechanism to its original position, automatically spreading the blades and preparing the tool for the next use. This operating principle allows the pruner to be controlled by a simple hand movement, ensuring a repeatable cycle of compression and opening.
