Explorations, Featured Explorations, Industrial Design

100 Wishes is a participative memoriam built upon the metaphor of the dandelion. As the dandelion plant matures, its flowers turn into white fluffy seeds, which are distributed by wind and travel like tiny parachutes. When they find a place of rest they begin to grow again, symbolizing rebirth and joy within the magic of life.

100 Wishes prompts a terminal patient to choose 100 wishes that he or she did not have a chance to fulfill themselves while they were healthy in life. Family members and friends will be given the opportunity to take one of the 100 wishes as his or her own, not only as a way of honouring the departed, but also as a way for the participants to share a final tangible experience with their loved one.

The memoriam is a large unit comprised of many small containers that resemble dandelion seeds, each holding equal portions of ashes of the deceased. Within each seed container there is a note with the description of the person’s incomplete dying wish. Once the wish is completed, the note is replaced with a photo capturing the moment of achievement of the special wish. The seed container is then once again placed back into the large unit.

When the wishes have all been satisfied, the soul of the departed can finally be at rest, knowing that through their loved ones they have completed , being able to rest knowing that they have been honoured by those that truly love and care for them. The wishes serve to bring the friends and family closer to the departed through the exploration of their deepest wishes and aspirations. In addition to providing comfort to the terminally ill and providing a proactive form of remembrance for their loved ones, it serves to remind everyone involved that one never knows what lies ahead, and we must live as though each day was our last.