CannonDesign has formed a new coalition of designers and makers working to create urgently needed protective masks for healthcare workers on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis.
The team is ideating a better do-it-yourself mask that will be able to be produced efficiently to help meet the urgent need. Initial partners include SUNY Buffalo, materialsIn, Oxford Pennant, Stitch Buffalo, and The Factory Buffalo. The toymaker Fisher Price is also supporting the initiative.
Other designers and makers interested in collaborating can reach out via this form.
Slide clip design prototype.
The team is developing working prototypes. Once the prototypes are developed, these masks can be used by those on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis, or by health workers in lower acuity environments, which would free up the regulated N-95 makes for those on the front lines.
The collaborative team will create these masks through key steps, including:
- Establishing a “patternless-pattern” sewists can replicate efficiently
- Using 3D-printed clips or rubber bands to eliminate elastics or ties from the design
- Connecting experts to makers to share best practices and guidelines
- Building local networks and streamlined paths to get masks from makers to healthcare workers
The coalition expects to ship its first large batch of masks to Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo, by Friday, April 3, 2020. Clinical beta testing will be conducted over the weekend, and the team expects to begin ramping up production starting the week of April 6.
BUT THE QUESTION REMAINS: ARE HOMEMADE MASKS REALLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?
There is some question whether such homemade face masks actually work—that is, do they really protect healthcare workers, COVID-19 patients, or the public?
CannonDesign Principal Michael Tunkey, AIA, addressed this question in a recent blog in which he acknowledged that the “topline scientific conclusion” is that homemade cloth masks “do very little” to stop the novel cororavirus, and that the “real solution” is to ramp up production of N95 masks and other personal protective equipment.
Michael Tunkey wearing DIY prototype face mask.
But DIY masks can do some good and have a positive impact, Tunkey concludes. His rationale:
- Call them “cloth N95 protectors.” Many healthcare workers are being forced to wear their limited supply of N95 masks for an entire shift, he notes. A properly made DIY face mask that follows the “bra cup” shape can fit snugly over an N95 mask, thereby extending the life of the N95 masks in the field.
- Leave room for a HEPA filter. A well-designed cloth face mask has some type of wire nose closure and an open pocket to insert something like a HEPA filter, although, he says, “the material most effective to use in these pockets is still murky.” Until that murkiness is cleared up by “the experts” (where are we when we need you, Dr. Fauci?), DIYers should follow this best practice.
- DIY face masks might keep your sneeze in. Tunkey acknowledges that cloth masks are “pretty ineffective” at stopping airborne particles, but states that they might help when worn by infected persons, especially the many who don’t know they are infected.
Tunkey’s bottom line on DIY face masks: “Keep sewing,” but try to connect with a community of experts who can advise you on current best practices for mask design, protocols for infection control, the needs of the local healthcare community, and the logistics of delivery.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Jun 30, 2020
The great reset and our new work life
As many countries begin to return to the office, it’s a chance to ask ourselves: what do we truly value?
Coronavirus | Jun 26, 2020
Infection control in buildings in the age of the coronavirus
Controlling future infection spreads could become job one for most buildings and spaces.
Coronavirus | Jun 26, 2020
ICYMI The Weekly show: The hotel sector's 'competition for cleanliness' and workplace design amid COVID-19
This week on The Weekly (June 25 episode), BD+C editors spoke with leaders from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Henderson Engineers, and Shawmut Design & Construction on three timely topics.
Coronavirus | Jun 23, 2020
A look back at design standard shifts: ADA vs. COVID-19
The short story is official design guidelines are slow to be developed and made into law.
Coronavirus | Jun 23, 2020
WATG designs solution for isolating without sacrificing social connectivity
The design was inspired by oriel bay windows.
Coronavirus | Jun 22, 2020
Boldt creates an innovation task force to speed up safe opening of jobsites, 14 offices
Boldt creates an innovation task force to speed up safe opening of jobsites, 14 offices
Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020
Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly
The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Jun 18, 2020
Brown University tops off first housing building in three decades
The facility, scheduled for completion next April, will combine a residence hall with student health services.
Coronavirus | Jun 17, 2020
HOK and Germfree partner to design mobile COVID-19 testing lab
Access to quick, reliable, and repeated testing has been one of the greatest challenges for businesses, institutions and individuals during the COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus | Jun 17, 2020
Guiding changes in the workplace: Past, present, and future
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are managing sudden change as they assess the impact on workplace design and how people use spaces.