Is this REALLY how to get more space on public transport? The bizarre inflatable jacket that can be pumped up to create a ‘barrier between the wearer and busy crowds’
- The jacket, called the Space Optimiser, can be inflated via an electric pump
- When inflated, it creates what the makers describe as an ’18-inch exclusion zone’
- Video footage shows a model trying out the coat on the London Underground
Could this bizarre inflatable jacket be the answer to maintaining your personal space on packed public transport?
No would seem to be the answer, but one hotel chain thinks it might be.
It has created the jacket, which it says can be inflated via an electric pump inserted into the garment, to create a ‘barrier between the wearer and busy crowds’.
A model wearing the inflatable ‘Space Optimiser’ jacket on a London Underground train that is standing room only
According to the makers, the jacket can be inflated via an electric pump inserted into the garment to create a ‘barrier between the wearer and busy crowds’
When inflated, the jacket creates what is described as ‘an exclusion zone of 18 inches’. This is the minimum measurement of what is considered ‘personal space’ according to experts in proxemics, the study of how humans utilise space
It has been made by Leonardo Hotels and is called the ‘Space Optimiser’ as it creates what is described as ‘an exclusion zone of 18 inches’.
This is the minimum measurement of what is considered ‘personal space’ according to experts in proxemics, the study of how humans utilise space.
To demonstrate how it works, Leonardo Hotels has released a video showing a model making her way around London on the busy Underground network, wearing the jacket.
The footage shows her using a switch to inflate the jacket before making her way down the stairs into a heaving Central Line station.
The jacket, created by Leonardo Hotels, is currently just a prototype. However, the hotel chain says that if there is demand for it, it will consider rolling it out for guests to use
Leonardo Hotels says it came up with the idea for the jacket after a recent study it commissioned found that 21 per cent of Britons who have never visited London said the capital was too busy and imposing on personal space
As she stands on the platform and then boards the train, which is standing room only, the pumped-up coat appears to keep the other passengers at bay.
The jacket is currently just a prototype but the hotel chain says that if there is demand for it, it will consider rolling it out for all guests to use.
Leonardo Hotels says it came up with the idea for the jacket after a recent study it commissioned revealed 3.5million Britons have never visited London, with 21 per cent citing the capital being too busy and imposing on personal space.
Jason Carruthers, MD of Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland, said: ‘The results from the survey clearly show that busy crowds are stopping people from visiting this incredible city.
Jason Carruthers, MD of Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland, said: ‘The Space Optimiser jacket will allow people to go into those crowded tourist hot spots, without feeling too overwhelmed by impositions on their personal space’
Leonardo Hotels says if people want to make the Space Optimiser jacket available to all guests, they should tweet #SpaceOptimiser to @leonardostpauls, @leonardoldncity and @leotowerbridge
‘Here at Leonardo Hotels, we want our guests to experience all the capital has to offer.
‘We have four incredible hotels in London (Tower Bridge, City, St Paul’s and Heathrow) and want to help make our guests’ trips as memorable as possible.
‘The Space Optimiser jacket will allow people to go into those crowded tourist hot spots, without feeling too overwhelmed by impositions on their personal space.’
Leonardo Hotels says if people want to make the Space Optimiser jacket available to guests, they should tweet #SpaceOptimiser to @leonardostpauls, @leonardoldncity and @leotowerbridge.
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