“O: Nurture Future Generations" was developed in collaboration with Arthur van Havre and Jonathan Chinen. The project was shortlisted for the iF Student Design Award 2023.

product design | digital modeling | circular design | storytelling

A circular deathcare service transforming remains into ashes, energy, and compost.

O is a closed-loop system combining two proven technologies, alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) and anaerobic digestion to sustainably transform human remains and honor the life of loved ones.

Deathcare’s environmental impact

Legacy death care practices are resource intensive. Coffins, embalming, concrete vaults, and allocated plots of lands are not sustainable. The Green Burial Council finds that annually the American funerary industry consumes 20 million board feet of wood, 4.3 million gallons of formaldehyde, and 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete. While a single flame cremation produces up to 600 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Water Cremation

The Cremation Association of North America reports that water cremation reduces carbon emissions by 90% and results in 30% more ash whiter than ash produced by flame cremation. This is a process process in which a strong basic solution gently liquifies organic solids, known as alkaline hydrolysis.

Designing a new deathcare solution

O’s Bi-level System

O is designed to uphold the dignity of individuals and maximize the transformation of remains. Current water cremation providers release the liquid from the process into the sewage system. Instead of wasting this liquid, O‘s bi-level system leverages this output from water cremation (Level 1) as the input for the anaerobic digestion phase (Level 2).

Anaerobic Digestion

In an oxygen-free environment, an ecosystem of microorganisms uses water cremation input to produce biogas, a source of renewable electricity, and an EPA Grade-A nutrient-rich compost safe for use in horticulture. Families may choose how to donate the renewable energy and regenerative soil to nurture future generations.

O’s Redesigned Water Cremation Pod

At our sites of respite and restoration, family members are invited to partake in a final goodbye.

The body is gently lowered into the O water cremation vessel, our redesigned alkaline hydrolysis pod. Family members may include organic mementos before the pod is closed and conduct ceremonies or celebrations during the organic reduction process. At the end of the water cremation process, all that remains are white bones and a DNA-free nutrient-rich liquid. Loved ones may opt to receive either the whole bones or ashes.