The installation “Sky Gazing Tower“ designed by SomePeople for the latest edition of the LA Design Festival, responded to this year’s theme “Design with Purpose”, reminding that design has to consider multiple elements, such as function, economics, sociocultural factors and aesthetics. Starting from this topic, the NYC-based design studio proposed a personal space to be set in public environments, an outdoor installation that gives people the possibility to create a private shelter through virtual reality. The small space is made for those facing the every day challenges of a crowded and chaotic world: social anxiety, stress and agoraphobia.

The low-cost lightweight structure is easy to assemble and transport. The translucent orange membrane, hanging from the top, provides a calm feeling inside and mantains a connection with the exterior. Visitors can virtually modify the structure thanks to a VR environment: size, color and materiality of the tower can be changed following personal preferences. Everyone can explore their own space to feel protected and comfortable in the urban surrounding.