ASICS' Life-Sized Diorama Offered a Window Into a New Human Species
Hypebeast headed to the pop-up to capture Homo Scrollus Canapus on World Mental Health Day.
With its founding philosophy, a Sound Mind in a Sound Body, ASICS has stood as an unwavering champion of movement for the mind. Feeding into events and activations, this year on World Mental Health Day, the brand installed a life-sized diorama in Paris showing its commitment to tackling issues humanity faces today.
Boxed in a see-through case, the diorama centered on a realistic human model, sitting in a familiar position in front of screens, immobile and hunched over. From a global study stating 86% of people surveyed spend their waking hours inactive, it captured one of the most widespread modern behaviors. ASICS presented the model as part of a new species it calls Homo Scrollus Canapus. Though it takes a humorous side, the installation adopted a museum format with explanatory labels and documentary-style voiceovers to engage those passing by.
Hypebeast visited the forecourt of Grande Halle de La Villette, which housed the diorama for two days. Positioned in the middle of a high-traffic area, we went on the ground to catch individuals as they interacted with the installation. The video shows all walks of life observing the model and sharing personal stories of the modern-day habits that have quietly designed movement out of our lives, like doomscrolling, binge-watching, and prolonged hours in front of computer screens.
The diorama, however, wasn’t just a warning of the new species. It gave onlookers a solution to kicking their restless slump to the curb. On one side of the installation, a board noted that dedicating a few minutes to movement can boost your mind and body. These insights were championed by its 15 Minutes to Thrive challenge. Aiming to encourage everyday activity, we gathered perspectives on the initiative in a dedicated Ask the Community installment.
You can take a closer look at Homo Scrollus Canapus by watching the video above.
Find out more about ASICS’ Movement Conservation project online now.
