Speculating new Material(ism)
Complex Surface Modelling Using Textile Constructions
Description
The use of fossil-based plastics has a major impact on us and our environment. With the question “In a complex world designed by humans for humans, is the solution to redesign the same things with existing solutions or to design new solutions for existing things? In a speculative experiment, the work explored whether and how solid, complex elements could be formed from natural materials to create a renewable and biodegradable alternative to moulded plastic parts. Using textile fabrics and glutinous glues, a material was created that is high-strength, thermoplastic and free of harmful substances. The processing temperature is only 60°C and the forces required for moulding are low. This means that moulds can also be made using 3D printing, making the repetitive production of moulded parts cheaper and more accessible to everyone.