Ultima Thule by Stiliyana Minkovska

Having found her own maternity ward experience to be hostile and too clinical, Stilyana became inspired by alternative birthing methods, such as hypnobirthing and waterbirths.

Her project, Ultima Thule, includes a collection of three chairs to support the stages of childbirth, each presented within a sanctuary-like environment:

• The ‘Labour Silla’ allows women to climb, squat and lean during the labour

• the ‘Parturition Stool’ encourages a midwife or chosen partner to sit behind as support

• the ‘Solace Chaise’ acts as an inclusive space for the mother to recover in privacy following birth, caesarean, miscarriage or abortion

Rethink the traditional maternity ward, take a seat on all three chairs, and relax among soft lighting and a meditative soundtrack designed to reflect a baby’s experience in the womb.