At a time when social distancing oneself from others has become a lifesaver and masks an essential commodity, a Belgian artist’s “portable oasis” has gained popularity. Alain Verschueren, a plastic artist, social worker, and performer, has found a way to skip the mask while still being safe and breathe clean air inside a bubble.
Developed around fifteen years ago, the “portable oasis”, a plexiglass contraption, resembling a mini-greenhouse, lets people breathe their personal air, fragrant and spiced by aromatic plants while staying in isolation from others.
“It was about creating a bubble in which I could lock myself in, to cut myself off a world that I found too dull, too noisy or smelly,” News18 quoted Verschueren saying. He added that he has asthma and finds breathing within his glass bubble more comfortable than wearing a facemask in current times.
The pod is filled with aromatic herbs like Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, and others with preventive actions against viruses. They also claim to strengthen immunity and help the body minimize the effects of the virus.
Apart from Brussels in Belgium, his oasis has now made it to Shanghai is in China.
Looking at people carrying a glass membrane on their shoulders and breathing clean air released by medicinal plants might look odd. However, Verschueren’s invention is something that we might need in the future. What do you think of this unique equipment?