Thrive Vest: Redefining Care for the Natural World

"Under the framework of Plants as Rights Holders"

In a world where human actions continuously reshape ecosystems, the Thrive Vest offers a speculative yet profound reimagining of the relationship between humans and nature. Built under the conceptual framework of Plants as Rights Holders, the vest transforms the wearer into a literal and symbolic caregiver for seeds and plants. It asks: What if humans were as responsible for plants as we are for children? What if plants had the intrinsic right to thrive, and we, as their stewards, were part of their growth?

This speculative design explores a what-if scenario where plants are granted the status of rights holders—an idea rooted in emerging ecological philosophies. While not a practical product for mass use, the vest serves as a conceptual provocation. It pushes boundaries, encouraging critical reflection on the interconnectedness of humans and plants while exploring how wearable art can challenge our understanding of care, sustainability, and environmental justice.

Why Plants as Rights Holders?

The philosophical underpinning—plants as rights holders—asks us to recognize flora as entities with intrinsic rights. Like all living beings, they deserve the opportunity to thrive. The vest is not just a wearable object; it is a tool to actively participate in ecological restoration and provoke conversations about the value of non-human life.

Speculative Nature of the Project

The Thrive Vest is not meant to be a product for practical, everyday wear. Instead, it belongs to the realm of speculative design—a discipline that imagines alternate futures to provoke thought and inspire change. By presenting an idea that borders on the absurd yet meaningful, it challenges societal norms and invites dialogue about the ethics of care and the rights of the natural world.

Speculative designs like the Thrive Vest act as thought experiments that push us to reimagine possible futures. They ask:

• How would our behavior change if plants depended on us directly for survival?

• What if caring for plants became as urgent and personal as caring for a child?

• Could wearable technologies one day integrate plants into human life in sustainable and transformative ways?

The Thrive Vest does not provide answers but rather stimulates questions—questions that demand creativity, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Batool Al Tameemi

Thrive Vest (2024)

Biomaterial project

• Chest: 34–38 inches (86–97 cm)

• Waist: 28–32 inches (71–81 cm)

• Length (shoulder to bottom): 22–26 inches (56–66 cm)

Process:

Initial sketches:

The project began with sketches exploring how wearable designs could integrate plants into daily life without compromising comfort or aesthetics. Research focused on biomaterials, sweat absorption, and plant germination conditions. Prototypes evolved through an iterative process of testing biomaterial durability and the planter's ability to retain moisture.

Materials & Recipe

To create the Thrive Vest, the following materials were used:

Ingredients used for the project

• Gelatine

• Water

• Glycerine

• Chestnut shells

• Ground coffee

• Soil

• Plants

• PLA straws

• Wool

• Food coloring

• Chia seeds

• Agar Agar

In the development of the Thrive Vest, I created two distinct versions to explore materiality, function, and aesthetics. The first version utilized a bio-gelatin recipe combined with soil, coffee grounds, food coloring, and chestnut crust. The recipe involved heating 1 part gelatin powder, 2 parts water, and 1 part glycerin over low heat until fully dissolved. Once the mixture was smooth, I incorporated soil, coffee grounds, chestnut crust, and a small amount of food coloring for additional pigmentation and texture. The mixture was poured into molds and allowed to set completely before being laser-cut into the required shapes. This process resulted in a vest with an earthy and textured finish that reflected its organic composition.

The second version of the vest followed a simpler recipe using the same bio-gelatin base but focusing solely on food coloring as an additive. I prepared the mixture by combining 1 part gelatin powder, 2 parts water, and 1 part glycerin, heating it until fully dissolved. I then added drops of food coloring to achieve the desired translucent and colorful effect. The liquid was poured into molds and set, resulting in a smoother, lightweight material.

Design and Fabrication Process

The process of creating the Thrive Vest was iterative and exploratory, combining material experimentation with precision fabrication techniques. After testing various biomaterial compositions, I finalized a gelatine-based bioplastic reinforced with glycerine, ground coffee, and chestnut shells to enhance flexibility and durability. Once the bioplastic set and achieved the desired thickness, I utilized laser cutting to precisely shape the material, enabling intricate and clean designs that would have been difficult to achieve manually.

A key feature of the vest's design is the incorporation of interlocking modular shapes, which allow the individual planter units to connect seamlessly while maintaining flexibility. This modular system enables users to adjust the configuration of the vest, introducing a Lego-like feature that allows for customization in both shape and fit. Because of this, the vest achieves a degree of size inclusivity, as it can adapt to different body types and preferences. The modular design not only reinforces the vest’s visual appeal but also symbolizes the interconnectedness of human and plant life—each module functioning independently yet contributing to the overall integrity of the system. The combination of hand assembly and laser cutting bridged craftsmanship with technology, elevating the speculative artifact to a professional and portfolio-ready piece.

Growing the Sprouts

The process of growing the sprouts for the Thrive Vest involved a series of trials and adjustments. Initially, I experimented with chickpeas on an agar-agar base, hoping to create a stable and nutrient-rich foundation for sprouting. However, this method proved unsuccessful as the chickpeas failed to germinate effectively. I then shifted to chia seeds on an agar-agar base, but encountered similar issues where the seeds did not sprout as expected. Recognizing the need for a more breathable and moisture-retentive surface, I transitioned to growing chia seeds on fabric, which provided a better environment for germination. The fabric allowed for proper water retention and air circulation, enabling the chia seeds to successfully sprout and thrive. This shift not only resolved the technical challenges but also highlighted the importance of material choice in fostering life within the speculative design. The successful growth of chia on fabric reinforced the adaptability and feasibility of integrating living elements into the Thrive Vest, contributing to its overall conceptual and functional success.

Challenges and Resolutions

One significant challenge was ensuring the proper germination of seeds within the vest's environment. Initially, I experimented with chickpeas and chia seeds, but both struggled to sprout effectively due to the inadequacy of the agar-agar base and the lack of moisture retention. The solution was to switch to fabric as a substrate for the chia seeds, which allowed better air circulation and water retention, fostering successful germination. This adjustment highlighted the critical importance of material selection in maintaining plant life within a wearable design.

Another challenge arose during the fabrication of the bioplastic vest. The durability and flexibility of the material had to be tested repeatedly to ensure it could withstand the demands of wear while also holding moisture for plant growth. By combining bio-gelatin with soil, coffee grounds, and chestnut shells, I was able to create a flexible, durable material that met the desired functional requirements.

Influences and References

The project was heavily influenced by philosophers such as Christopher Stone, who questioned whether trees should have legal standing in his work Should Trees Have Standing? This idea of plants being granted rights as sentient beings directly influenced the design of the Thrive Vest. The vest is not only a wearable artifact but also a conceptual tool to provoke discussions on ecological justice, environmental ethics, and the interconnectedness of human and plant life.

Speculative Everything by Dunne & Raby provided insight into how speculative design can be used to engage audiences in alternative futures. The exploration of speculative scenarios around human care for plants mirrors their approach, where the goal is not to create immediate, practical products but to challenge norms and inspire reflection on societal change.

Application to the Course/Other Areas of Work

This project applies directly to my studies in speculative design and art, as it challenges me to think beyond traditional design paradigms and explore alternative, sustainable futures. The Thrive Vest acts as a tool for raising awareness about ecological responsibility, and its integration of bio-materials provides a real-world application for sustainability in design. Moving forward, I can take these insights into my other projects, particularly those that examine human interaction with the natural world or address ecological and environmental issues through art and design.

What Would I Do Differently?

Looking back, one aspect I would reconsider is the material composition. While the use of bio-gelatin and plant-based materials is innovative, I would explore more sustainable alternatives, like plant-based polymers or biodegradable fabrics, to ensure a more environmentally friendly result. I would conduct further trials with different plant species to enhance the vest's functionality and aesthetic, especially in creating designs that provide a longer lifespan for the plants integrated into the wearable art.

Feedback and Insights

A particularly intriguing piece of feedback I received was regarding the modular design of the vest. One colleague suggested that expanding this modularity could open opportunities for the wearer to personalize the plant care process, making it more interactive and tailored to individual needs. This feedback prompted me to think about how the vest could evolve into a more customizable and engaging tool for environmental awareness.

Conclusion

The Thrive Vest, as a speculative design, challenges us to reimagine the relationship between humans and plants, pushing the boundaries of ecological care and sustainability. By granting plants the status of rights holders, the project invites critical reflection on the ethical responsibilities we have toward non-human life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through its innovative use of biomaterials, modular design, and integration of living elements, the vest serves not only as a wearable artifact but also as a thought-provoking tool to engage with pressing environmental issues.

This project highlights the power of speculative design to spark meaningful conversations about the future of our relationship with nature, and it underscores the importance of material experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration in creating impactful art and design. While the Thrive Vest is not a practical solution for everyday wear, its role as a conceptual provocation offers valuable insights into how design can inspire reflection and foster greater ecological awareness. Moving forward, the ideas explored in this project will continue to shape my work, pushing me to explore innovative solutions for environmental justice and sustainability in the realms of art and design.