Rethinking the Lifespan of Textiles: An Alternative Framework for Sustainable Material Design Based on Enhanced Multimodal Attributes

Dumitrescu, Delia and Lewis, Erin and Talman, Riikka (2024) Rethinking the Lifespan of Textiles: An Alternative Framework for Sustainable Material Design Based on Enhanced Multimodal Attributes. In: P/References of Design. Cumulus conference proceedings series, 1 . Cumulus Association, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, Budapest, pp. 1779-1793. ISBN 978-952-7549-02-5

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Abstract

Sustainable design thinking challenges perspectives on approaches to material development that are considerate of resources from the natural environment. This involves limiting energy consumption and re-purposing materials' use, qualities, and functions for an extended life span. Using a practice-based research methodology, this research proposes an alternative framework for sustainable textiles with a strong emphasis on designing a material's expressive qualities related to its extended use values: co-creation and wear. The experimental practice looks at the interplay between a material's inherent properties and its craftmanship, as well as aesthetic and expressive values which could extend the duration of use. The research takes a bottom up approach to sustainable design thinking and exemplifies the design of diverse material strategies through a curated library of responsive textile expressions. The responsive textile samples developed in this research illustrate rich ways of responding and adapting to user actions and their environmental surroundings. The textiles' extended multimodal attributes suggest an alternative framework to design for prolonged lifespan, and exemplify materials that enhance daily life by conserving energy and allowing for customization and location-specific applications.

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