Changing the Faces of Masks: An Outlook to the New Generation of Textile Masks

1st Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hubertus von Amelunxen (ISNM)

2nd Supervisor: Prof. PhD BBA Jörg-Uwe Meyer (Dräger AG, Lübeck)

The vision of a multifunctional new future mask based on textile solutions, for respiratory protection, self-transformation and public usage is examined in the thesis. The importance of anthropology and technology in relation to the new concepts of masks is analysed. The social, individual and collective significance of masks and the necessity of respiratory enhancement today and in the future are emphasised. Design principles, the user-centred design approach, and the meaning of the mask in the cultural and social context are discussed. The approach to new types of masks is exemplified with one textile future mask.