Redesigning common items for relaxation and tranquility: ANEW's innovative approach
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a moment to rest can be challenging. Designer Hojun Lee aims to change that with his innovative project, ANEW. The project reimagines four everyday items – headphones, a backpack, shoes, and water bottles – as objects meant to promote relaxation[1][2].
The headphones, redesigned with an accordion-style flexible headband and soft, fluffy speaker covers, provide comfort even when leaning against surfaces or napping on the go[1]. The backpack, shoes, and water bottles have also been thoughtfully reimagined to incorporate features or materials that encourage relaxation and allow small breaks[1][2].
The ANEW bag, for instance, has a shape that shields eyes and a waist support, making it suitable for quick naps or restful pauses[2]. The fabric of the ANEW umbrella also serves as a comfortable place to lean and rest[1].
The ANEW project addresses the issue of modern life being full of fragmented, spontaneous pauses, yet the environment rarely supports them, leaving people perpetually tired with few real ways to recharge[2]. By giving everyday objects new roles, ANEW makes relaxation accessible, anytime and anywhere.
The ANEW book design blends knowledge and comfort in one simple object. It replaces the hard cover with a soft cushion for support of the head and neck[1]. The ear cushions of the headphones are designed to reduce pressure for comfortable listening[1].
Designer Hojun Lee's ANEW project invites us to imagine a world where the items we already carry help us find rest in unexpected places. The overall concept of ANEW is to find "a second rest" by turning familiar daily objects into tools that facilitate quick, comfortable rest in fragmented moments, such as during commutes or brief pauses, rather than relying only on traditional rest settings like beds[2].
[1] - [Source 1] [2] - [Source 2]
