Independent Research Study: Weaving Material and Habitation

The Workshop explores fabrication and material potential of weaving methods to consider possibilities for habitation structures. Weaving exists in every culture. It is one of the most ancient and primitive techniques. At the same time, because of its binary nature, it is conducive to be directly converted to digital fabrication method. In between there are degrees of technical sophistication in manufacturing, which one can study to reflect on the relationship between industrialization and civilization. This is a fabrication method where low tech and high tech can co exist as well as ancient and contemporary aesthetic. According to the performance requirements, such as insulation, waterproofing, ventilation and structural strength, a weave can be densified, layered, or combined.The first part of the semester will focus on theoretical, historical and technical research combined with hand made prototype creation. In addition material research addresses to explore different material for the use, such as natural fiber from renewable resource such as grass, banana leaf or from completely artificial source. The economic and political implication of use of specific material will be discussed for its renewable, recyclable properties or potential for appropriation of materials previously not considered for this method. In mid April, we will be joined by a textile engineer artist, Dai Fujiwara who has invented circular digital weaving method for Issey Miyake\’s APOC clothing. It is a single form manufacturing where weaving command is prescribed digitally to produce all the specifications in one form. Instead of sewing or tailoring, cutting allows the form to emerge in this production. We will have a workshop with him to explore specific fabrication method, concept and relationship between weaving and digital media.