[ISEA2014] Paper: Geraldo Coelho Lima Júnior & Rachel Zuanon – Design of co-evolving textiles applied to smart products

Abstract

Advances in the creation of tissues following two paths: those arising from technological advances in the area, and those derived from ethical and environmental concerns, and the intersection point of these two paths that the tissues of the future will be produced (1). With the development of e‑textiles, these possibilities are enhanced with fibers, yarns, ribbons and fabrics that can conduct electricity (2). And with nanotextiles the potential of co‑evolving relationship between textile‑body‑environment intensifies, as the nanotechnology operates at the molecular level, allowing the creation of intelligent fabrics capable of structural rearrangements – e.g. tissues that contain chemicals which may be administered as a medicament or cosmetic. Therefore this research aims the design of textile fabrics capable of acting in a co‑evolving way in the body‑environment relationship. In this sense, we propose the investigation of fibers, yarns and fabrics, with features and physico‑chemical and technological qualities that promote interactive and uninterrupted flow between textile material, user and environment, in order to promote continuous adaptability of these systems. To this end, we consider the related studies to biodesign (Myersand & Antonelli, 2012; Zenios et al, 2009; Holmes, 2008; Benyus, 2003), to biomaterials (Vincent, 2012; Kalia et al, 2011; Lee, 2011; Burdick & Mauck, 2010; Anand et al, 2005), to biotechnology (Asakura & Miller, 2013; Carraher & Gebelein, 2013; Nyanhongo, 2013; Mather & Wardman, 2010), to nanotechnology (Hebeish et al, 2012; Haghi & Zaikov, 2011; Merhari, 2009; Brown & Stevens, 2007) and to textile technology (Hossain, 2013; Earle & Watanabe, 2011; O’Mahony, 2011; Kadolph, 2010; Quinn, 2010; McCann & Bryson, 2009; Hencken, 2005) as theoretical and practical frameworks essential to the development of products involving textile surfaces such as clothes, accessories, objects, among others, able to interact and turn themselves in this interaction process with the user’s body and the environment.

  1. Udale, Jenny. Fundamentos de design de moda: tecidos e moda; tradução: Edson Furmankiewicz. Porto Alegre: Bookman, 2009.
  2. Lee, Dora. Biomimicry: inventions inspired by nature. Toronto: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2011.
  • Geraldo Coelho Lima Júnior, Anhembi Morumbi University, BR
  • Rachel Zuanon, Anhembi Morumbi University, BR