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Interwoven: LUCA meets LUCA

Een Aardige Dood

What if our bodies could restore the earth after death?

Een Aardige Dood explores human composting as a future alternative to current environmentally harmful funeral practices. At its core lies the design of a compostable shroud and a reusable stretcher, which provide a warm and dignified farewell and help to increase acceptance of human composting.

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Human composting, a nature-inspired process, transforms the body of the deceased into nutritious soil. It represents a sustainable alternative to current environmentally damaging practices and opens up future perspectives for a regenerative end of life. By shaping the human composting process as a warm and dignified farewell, Hannah wishes to contribute to a kind death for both people and nature.

Central to this project is the design of a reusable stretcher, combined with a soft woollen shroud that covers the body during the initiation of the human composting process. While the body is traditionally composted unclothed, the biodegradable shroud keeps the body covered, allowing the family to be present at the start of the composting process.

Meaningful rituals - such as collectively wrapping the shroud and weaving flowers - are introduced, giving relatives an important role in the farewell process.

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About Hannah Melis

Driven by her sensitivity to sustainability and materials, Hannah strives for designs that contribute to a more conscious world. Her project 'Een Aardige Dood' [A Gentle Ending] was recognized as one of the ten best graduation projects in Limburg.