2025 Galleries
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2025 Galleries // 2025 Spark: Fall/Winter Student // PolarVita — Extreme Cold Mask
PolarVita — Extreme Cold Mask
Winner - Gold
Competition:
Spark: Fall/Winter Student
Designer:
Han Dai
Design Type:
Concept ,
Company / Organization / School:
China Academy of Art
Website:
http://poppower666@gmail.com
Team Members:
Han Dai
PolarVita is a passive heat-exchange mask designed for extreme cold environments where breathing comfort and visibility are easily compromised. Traditional masks often freeze from condensed vapor, fog up goggles, and cause airway dryness. PolarVita addresses these problems through a multilayer material system that recycles heat and humidity from exhaled air—maintaining a warm and moist breathing microclimate without electricity.
The outer layer is windproof and breathable, blocking cold airflow while releasing excess moisture. The middle composite layer stores and transfers heat, while the inner layer uses humidifying fibers to preserve moisture and prevent throat irritation. A detachable drainage module allows users to remove condensed water and ice easily, even while wearing gloves.
Targeted at polar researchers, soldiers, and outdoor workers, PolarVita ensures stable breathing and clear vision during long exposure in freezing climates. Its lightweight, modular design integrates seamlessly with helmets and protective gear, enabling comfort, hygiene, and long-term usability.
By combining material science and ergonomic design, PolarVita redefines cold-weather respiratory protection—offering a sustainable, low-energy solution for human adaptation in extreme environments.
JUDGES COMMENTS:
Not only is PolarVita aesthetically compelling, but the technical considerations addressed as part of this solution are also very impressive for a student project