BIO-INSPIRED TEXTILE RESEARCH
Animation: Ellis van der Does
Bio-Inspired Textiles is an interdisciplinary research project that sits at the intersection of biology, material science and textile design to enhance sustainable and circular practice. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of the Leadership Fellows scheme, the project maps how design intersects with scientific disciplines and explores the ways biology can teach designers to do more with limited resources.
Drawing on the research by Professor Julian Vincent, Dr Steven Naleway and their respective teams, the Bio-Inspired Textiles project focuses on how role of structure in biology could help us improve the efficiency, longevity, and recovery of the resources (substance and energy) we use to create textile products.
We collaborated with over forty eight designer-makers who helped us develop the Bio-Inspired Textiles framework. The framework is centred around eight structures observed in biological materials from both the plant and animal kingdoms. The makers used a wide range of textile techniques from their own individual skill sets, to create experimental prototypes based on the eight structures, this work constitutes inspirational case studies for other designers to see how they can draw on their own techniques to engage in the Bio-Inspired Textiles approach.
Bio-Inspired Textile Team
Prof. Veronika Kapsali
Veronika is the principal investigator of the BIT research project which builds on her PhD and recent research in the field of biomimetic design.
Dr Cathryn Anneka Hall
Cathryn works part time as a post doctoral researcher supporting Prof. Veronika Kapsali on the BIT research.
Bio-Inspired Textile Partners
Bio-Inspired Textile Advisory Board
Alma Daskalaki - Craft Council
Anne Marr - UAL: Central Saint Martins
Ashley Harbert - A W Hainsworth
Dr Kate Goldsworthy - UAL: Centre for Circular Design
Dr Laetitia Forst - UAL: Centre for Circular Design & Centre for Sustainable Fashion
Jane Murrow - UAL: Chelsea College of Arts
Julia Bennet - Craft Council
Prof Carole Collet - UAL: Central Saint Martins
Prof Richard Blackburn - University of Leeds
Prof James Busfield - Queen Mary University of London
Tacita Meredith-Tancock - Crew a la Mode/Calm Collected
Tony Ryan - Design & Technology Association