How can architects make frontline PPE equipment?
As a result of COVID-19, many hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare facilities are facing vital equipment shortages, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators. A number of RIBA Chartered Practices are working together to use their skills and equipment to help produce components for these vital supplies– through 3D printing and digital and laser cutting technology. See below architect-led networks and schemes which we invite our members to contribute towards.
HTA and HOK establish the Industry Prints initiative to manufacture face visors
RIBA Chartered Practices HTA Design and HOK are leading a growing network of practices to produce face visors for NHS frontline staff, using 3D printing technology. With the product specification and downloadable instructions available on their website, the face visors are designed to exact NHS specifications. Once printed, the headsets are then delivered to distribution hubs, fitted with visors, sterilised, and distributed to hospitals where the greatest shortages have been identified. The initiative is already supported by 20 leading practices including Foster + Partners, PLP Architecture, Perkins & Will, Stanton & Williams and Hopkins Architects. If you are able to donate materials or are interested in printing the face visors, visit the initiative’s website.
Foster + Partners design a general-purpose prototype face visor
RIBA Chartered Practice Foster + Partners has developed a prototype design for a reusable face visor. They have shared design templates and material specifications as an open-source design asset to encourage the investigation of the potential of digital and laser cutting machines. They are currently delivering prototype visors to a number of London hospitals where they are being tested and are exploring means of getting the design approved for mass production and use by health workers. Find out more on their website.
