Dissertation Proposal Part 2 (without the images)

Title (max 50 words)

To what extent can technology be of use in regards to improving the sustainability of the textile industry?

Summary (Stage 2)

Technology can be detrimental and beneficial. In the past technology has provided us with incredible life changing inventions but it has also led to adverse consequences in some instances. Technology for example is a contributing factor that has allowed for international shipping, mass production and unsustainable consumption. This has in turn caused numerous negative ethical and environmental outcomes. Such as increased energy consumption, waste production, environmental degradation and the decline of finite resources. As well as this countless ethical problems have arisen alongside the provision of low cost textile items for western consumers. A list of such problems would include unfair wages and poor working conditions. However, in recent years “western consumers have come to realise complex ethical issues are hidden behind all of our fashion purchasing decisions” (Black, 2008) and as a result numerous designers and manufacturers are beginning to take action in order to decrease the environmental and ethical impact of their textile items.

It is likely that the environmental and ethical impacts of the textile industry will become more prominent in the future and consumers will require sustainable alternatives. It is therefore necessary to consider how technology could perhaps reduce or even resolve some of the growing concerns regarding sustainability. The positives and negatives of potential technological solutions will be discussed, as will other methods that have been implemented by designers, manufacturers and individuals to improve the sustainability of the textile industry.

First it will be necessary to investigate the ways in which the vast quantities of waste already accumulated can be reduced. A key starting point is recycling, reusing and upcycling. Worn Again is an environmentally friendly company whose ‘aim is to create good quality, functional and design-led products that don’t have a guilty conscience’ (Worn Again). The company works with product and fashion designers to create new items by upcycling. Upcycling is the repurposing of something that is otherwise worthless or unwanted in to a product of greater quality, use and value. ‘Bon Voyage’ is the most recent clothing and accessories range from Worn Again. The range is created from recycled travel related textiles such as de-commissioned Virgin hot air balloons and Eurostar train uniforms. Christopher Raeburn is the British fashion designer who created the collection. Not only does this collection reduce the consumption of finite resources but helps to decrease the volume of textile items going to landfill. The collection is also manufactured in the UK, thus ensuring the items are ethically manufactured and employment opportunities are provided in the UK as opposed to overseas.

As well as considering the waste that has already accumulated it is also crucial that the volume of waste produced in the future is reduced through the use of technology and sustainable design. In order to aid sustainable consumption it is important to investigate materials that biodegrade quickly or can be disposed of efficiently with as little environmental impact as possible. For a solution to be generated it may be necessary, in some cases, for two or more industries to collaborate. For example Helen Storey from London College of Fashion and a professor from Sheffield Universities Chemistry Department known as Tony Ryan worked together on the ‘Wonderland’ project in a mission to eliminate plastic. They used biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol to create a fabric, which dissolves on contact with water. This project could be an answer to the high percentage of textile items currently disposed of in landfill sites.

Another interesting eco friendly project by Helen Storey, Tony Ryan and textile designer Trish Belford is entitled ‘Catalytic Clothing’. Part of the project is entitled ‘Herself’, this is a dress which is embedded with technology that can purify the air by breaking down specific air borne pollutants. Reducing air borne pollutants would have numerous environmental benefits. ‘Catalytic Clothing’ also has the potential to reduce health problems associated with air pollution such as cancer, skin conditions and respiratory problems.

Creating an entirely new environmentally friendly fabric is another approach. Suzanne Lee is investigating the possibilities of growing fabric from bacterial cellulose obtained from plant cells. Her project is entitled ‘BioCouture’.

Another aspect, which is relevant to improving the sustainability of the textile design industry, is the implementation of more environmentally friendly design practices within the manufacturing process. This would include looking at potential ways in which water consumption, the use of toxic chemicals and finite resources could be reduced. The use of smart materials is a potential solution. Smart materials are materials, which have properties that allow them to be stimulated by their environment. They alter in a predictable manner in response to pH, UV, moisture and temperature for example. The development of smart materials that require less washing, drying and ironing would reduce energy consumption and could therefore be a sustainable alternative to the fabrics commonly used today. Woolrich an outdoor clothing company have partnered with Agion, a leader in odor-fighting technology in order to create a collection of outerwear. Their collection eliminates unpleasant smells without frequent washing. It will however be necessary to look in to whether or not the technology used is sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly.

As well as the technology currently available it is perhaps necessary to consider how far we have come in the last twenty years and what the potential is for the future. Chih-Wei Wang and Shou-Hsi Fu have come up with a concept idea for an MP3 player powered by body heat. This is currently only an idea but if in the future it is possible to create a material that could convert body heat in to electricity a lot of environmental concerns would be diminished. Another product, which might be available in the future, is a solar powered backpack entitled ‘Androcell’ by Karan Singh Gandh. The backpack would not only be a fully functioning bag but it would allow the user to download and transfer data as well as access videos, music and images by using the touch screen buttons on the shoulder straps of the bag. The interactive display also allows the owner to determine the appearance of the bag. At the end of its life the bag can be recycled. Solar powered multi use textiles could eliminate the need for numerous gadgets in the future and reduce some environmental concerns, but as this is only another potential idea the cost and viability of a product such as this is unknown.

Aims: Why are you doing this? (max 100 words)

As a textile designer I need to be aware of the ways in which my practice can affect global concerns such as climate change and diminishing resources. It is likely that in the future more companies will embrace eco friendly design, it is therefore important that I understand how technology can affect sustainability. I aim to improve my knowledge in regards to the possibilities and limitations of technology as a means to increase the sustainability of the textile design industry. I will also investigate what action designers, manufactures and individuals can take and methods they are already implementing to improve the sustainability of the textile industry. Designers, those wishing to establish a sustainable business and other students may benefit from my research.

Objectives: What will you produce? (max 100 words)

· I intend to evaluate current, developing and future technology that could provide sustainable textile alternatives.

· It will be necessary to compile case studies based on the work of carefully selected designers, chemists and engineers such as Tony Ryan and Suzanne Lee.

· I will look at a range of potentially sustainable textiles.

· The investigation will include textiles that are recycled or reused, those that will have a longer lifespan, textiles that are easy to recycle or biodegrade quickly and smart materials.

Keywords (min 5 and max 10)

Technology, Smart materials, Sustainability, Textiles industry, Eco-tech, Waste, Recycling, ‘BioCouture’, Environment, Durability, Consumption, Design, Fashion.

Post-Consumer Product/Service Business Idea

Today we met in our interdisciplinary groups once again, this time to discuss a potential service or product for a post-consumer. We began with a mind map. First we thought about electronic services such as an e-magazine or mobile phone application, which could be used by the post-consumer as a research tool. For example the e-magazine or app could provide information about where the local recycling points are, how to source local produce or top tips for healthy/green living. The post-consumer could also find out about relevant ethical or eco friendly events in their area. Next we discussed a craft package, which would include recycled/scrap fabrics and an instruction booklet, allowing the post consumer to transform the materials in to a range of items such as a soft toy, cushion, purse or key ring. Next we thought about a clothes recycling/transformation service, provision of allotments, a garden letting service, a gym which could be used to generate electricity, a local vegetable box/produce box delivery service and eventually we decided that we would establish an eco/craft café.

Ideas for the Eco/Craft Café:

The produce would be sourced locally

Fair trade and organic ingredients would be used where possible

Vegetarian options

Vegan options

Seasonal menu (reduced air miles of food-reduced carbon emissions)

Use renewable energy: Solar panels, wind turbines

Energy efficient light bulbs etc

Well-insulated building

Plant trees to offset carbon emissions

Carbon neutral if possible.

Free range chickens

Garden/allotment space

Recycling

Food waste-Compost heaps/feed to pigs.

Used tea bags can also be composted

Any packaging would be recycled

Building materials-straw/environmentally friendly alternatives

A room/area of the café would be used as a craft workshop

Knitting/crochet workshops

Make and mend events

Learn to sew

Dressmaking/Soft furnishing courses

Educational craft based classes for school children

Upcycling workshop

Target Market

Post-consumers

Young Professionals

Students

Research

T in the Park is a carbon neutral festival some of the methods used here could be implemented in an eco café. For more information please follow the following links:

http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?pg=382

http://www.tinthepark.com/content/default.asp?page=s9_4

Quirky Green Message Video from Green Thing

Meet Green Thing from Green Thing on Vimeo.

Green Thing is not-for-profit public service that encourages people to have a green lifestyle.

http://www.dothegreenthing.com/

Examples of current eco cafés

http://www.funkyteapot.co.uk/page.php?pageid=home

Students at Hereford College of Technology have an eco café made from straw (as was suggested by one of the members in the group- he is going to research this further)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/herefordandworcester/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9379000/9379975.stm

Perhaps outside catering/events and private functions could be catered for as is currently offered by The Fold a well-established eco café offering a range of services, which includes the Care Farm. The Care Farm not only supplies the café and restaurant but also produces plants to be sold and gives people an area to grow. Courses, workshops, events, festival and exhibitions also take place or are organized at The Fold.

http://www.thefold.org.uk/ecocafe/the-ecocafe

For the meeting next week, which i am unable to attend due to a course trip to Paris we will each research eco cafes and read a section of the business start up guide. I have been assigned chapters 16, 17 and 18 to read and summarize, i will then email my findings to the rest of the group.

Assignment 2: The Post Consumer

After carrying out some personal research on the topic we met up to discuss post-consumerism, this is the idea that some things have value, which is immeasurable in monetary terms. For example something, which helps others, or allows for quality family time has a value. This is because people have come to realize that happiness is not only about money and material items.

We began with a general discussion on the topic, talking about what we think post-consumerism is and what a post-consumer would be like in terms of age, appearance, personality etc. We created a mindmap, looking at areas such as products a post consumer might purchase, what their interests would be and who their celebrity icons might be. For example Russel Brand and Prince Charles have been determined as post-consumer celebrity icons. Prince Charles has spent time running the Prince’s Rainforest Fund and educating people about the reasons why we should try to live environmentally friendly lives. Natalie Portman can also be seen as a post-consumer as she is not only a vegan but also refuses to wear animal products. Another celebrity post-consumer is Harry Potter actress Emma Watson who collaborated with People Tree an ethical and environmentally friendly clothing company to create the current spring/summer collection.

Here is a basic outline of characteristics that we think might fit the profile of a post consumer:

Age: We think a post-consumer can range in age from late teens through to the elderly. Anyone aware of issues such as climate change, exploitation of the poor, child labour, animal cruelty, carbon emissions etc can make a conscious design to make a difference by altering their lifestyle.

Income: The income of a post-consumer could vary considerably but we think that most post-consumer are likely to be relatively wealthy/have a comfortable income. This is because with a relatively high income and the ability to buy any material item you desire, it will be easy to see that happiness is not solely dependant on income.

Communication:

Likely to be involved in protests/create petitions (perhaps against companies which cause significant environmental degradation for example)

May be involved in educating others-campaigns, schools, posters/leaflets/merchandise

Raise awareness of global issues relevant to a post-consumer

Shops/Companies:

Charity shops- Oxfam

People Tree- Ethical and Environmentally friendly

Style Junky- Women’s fashion. Social and ecologically conscious. Does not support disposable fashion.

Timberland- Earthkeeper range. Eco-conscious footwear.

Services:

Recycling schemes

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Conservation schemes

Volunteering

Forest Stewardship Council

Could be a member of WWF-tackle climate change, poverty etc

Travel:

Walk/bicycle/car share: reduce carbon emissions

Public transport

Eco holidays/Ecotourism

Responsible tourism

Support for local people/projects

Volunteering holidays

Carbon offsetting schemes-First Choice holidays

Rainforest protection scheme-First Choice holidays

Food:

Organic

Home grown

Allotments

Local produce- reduce air miles

Perhaps vegan/vegetarian

Fair trade: Ben and Jerry’s, Bananas, Green and Blacks etc

Sustainable

Clothing:

Recycled- Oxfam

Make do and mend- fixed, altered, personalized

Home made- crafts person. Knit, crochet.

Fair Trade

Organic Cotton

Biodegradable-Bamboo/ other natural fibres

Celebrity Icons:

Natalie Portman

Jack Johnson

Emma Watson

Prince Charles

Russel Brand

Below are some images of my group creating a mindmap and poster centered around post-consumerism and the profile of a post consumer.

Assignment 1 (Semester 2): Learning Styles.

During our group meeting today we discussed the outcome of the learning style surveys we each took. According to the online questionnaire I took I am a strong reflector, moderate activist and very low theorist and pragmatist. I think this is probably quite accurate, however I do feel there are points in each category that I could argue describe me.

As a reflector it think it is true to say that I don’t like acting as a leader I find this very challenging, I also dislike public speaking and doing things with no time to prepare. However I am not particularly fazed by deadlines as I feel I am quite an organized individual. I also don’t think I over analyze situations. I do fit the reflector role but I can relate more easily to the activists role. This is because I like to try new things, solve problems and welcome new opportunities. I like to work in a team on occasion but I also like to work alone as I sometimes feel group work can in fact irritate me when I feel the workload is unevenly shared or some people are not putting in significant effort. I think it is true to say I am not really a theorist or pragmatist. I don’t really tend to follow a set pattern or work in a step-by-step, structured manner. I also learn well through experimentation and trial and error rather than by being shown techniques or following models.

I correctly guessed the learning style of two people in my group, Sarah and Sophie who are both reflectors. Sophie in fact got the exact same result as I did on the learning style questionnaire, which is a probably a little unusual. I am sure that despite the same result we will each have a different personality and background and can therefore each contribute differently to the group. Two other members of the group are activists and another is a moderate reflector/pragmatist. The dominant mode of the team is reflector but i think the group is quite balanced despite there being no theorists. This is because Sarah who is a very strong reflector is also a strong theorist so our team is not too uneven and perhaps Sean may also be a theorist. He was unable to make the meeting today so we are yet to discover his learning style. As none of us are theorists we will have to ensure that we cover all aspects of the tasks logically whilst working as a group. We will have to be careful, rational and think through our actions, we will also need to make sure our decisions make sense.

Dissertation Proposal

Working title (max 25 words)

This should give an outline of your research topic. If appropriate use a title and a subtitle. You don’t have to be too specific at first and you don’t have to word it like a question - but you can if you want.

How can the textile industry be more sustainable?

Technology, Smart Materials and Bio-Couture.

Summary (max 250 words)

Here you should indicate what you already know about the topic. You should already have done some reading around it. Summarise this reading with regards to the research topic and describe the research area.

To some extent technology is responsible for the production methods currently used by the textile industry. Without technology many of the problems we are currently facing such as diminishing resources may be less apparent. This is because technology is a contributing factor, which has allowed for international shipping, mass production and unsustainable consumption. The development of technology increased production and allowed for greater consumption, which lead to an increase in environmental degradation, waste and energy consumption. However if used effectively technology can be used to reduce some of these global problems by improving the sustainability of the textile industry.

It is necessary to deal with the waste already accumulated, by reusing, recycling and upcycling. It is also crucial that the volume of waste produced in the future is reduced through the use of sustainable design and technology. In order to aid sustainable consumption it is important to investigate materials that biodegrade quickly or can be disposed of efficiently with little environmental impact.

I have already discovered interesting information in regards to current and developing technology, which aims to reduce or eliminate waste. For example designer Professor Helen Storey and chemist, Professor Tony Ryan, have created the first dissolvable dress. Creative Review also trialed dissolvable plastic packaging created in the UK by Cyberpac

Another method of producing environmentally friendly textiles is bio-couture which is a project being carried out by Suzanne Lee. She is experimenting with growing garments in a laboratory using bacterial cellulose.

Aims: Why are you doing this? (max 100 words)

These are a general statement on the intent or direction for the research – why are you doing this? Refer to theoretical aims and practical ones where relevant. For example: How might this improve your design practice? How does it contribute to the discourses within your discipline? Who else might benefit from your research? Is it aimed at an academic or a wider audience? What do you hope your research will achieve? State your aims concisely.

As a textile designer I need to be aware of the ways in which my practice can affect global concerns such as climate change and diminishing resources. I aim to improve my knowledge in regards to the possibilities and limitations of technology as a means to increase the sustainability of the textile design industry. It is likely that in the future more companies will embrace sustainable design, therefore it is important that I understand how technology can affect the sustainability of the textile industry. Designers, those wishing to establish a sustainable business and other students may benefit from my research.

Objectives: What will you produce? (max 100 words)

Objectives are the things you will produce in doing the dissertation, e.g. a review of the relevant literature, a collection and discussion of people’s experiences/opinions, an assessment of a debate or collection of work etc.

Like your aims, these will help your tutor (and you) assess your success. They may change over time but aims and objectives are useful to keep you focussed. Again be concise here – you may want to use bullet points.

· I will discuss why there is a need for designers to understand how technology can increase the sustainability of the textile design industry.

· I intend to evaluate current and developing technology that could provide sustainable textile alternatives (such as bio-couture, reactive materials and dissolvable fabrics).

· It will be necessary to look at the work of numerous designers, chemists and engineers such as Tony Ryan and Suzanne Lee.

· I will look at textiles, which incorporate technology that can be reused, those that will have a longer lifespan and textiles that are easy to recycle or biodegrade quickly.

Keywords (min 5 and max 10)

This should be a list of key terms that help us see if you are aware of where your research ‘sits’. For example, if you are writing on depictions of women in advertising your list might include ‘gender, feminism, representation, advertising, semiotics’. Keywords will help you when doing electronic searched for research materials.

Technology, Smart Materials, Sustainable, Textiles industry, Eco-tech, Bio couture, Environment, Durability, Consumption

Annotated Bibliography (min of 12 books, articles, websites)

Place here alphabetically a list of materials, which you intend to use for your dissertation. Format these according to the Harvard Method!

Please make sure you have critically assessed these as being appropriate for your topic and write a short paragraph for each one summarising the content and its relevance to your research area:

Antenna Science Museum, (n.d). Trash Fashion: designing out waste. [Online] Available at: http://antenna.sciencemuseum.org.uk/trashfashion/home/wearwithoutwaste/ [Accessed 30 November 2010].

The part of this website which is relevant to my research area is entitled “Trash Fashion: designing out waste”. It is split in to 3 sections, which look at aspects of sustainable fashion design. The first section discusses how dyes and finishes can be very damaging to the environment. This section also looks at the use of natural dyes, the technology necessary to limit water consumption and the development of sustainable alternatives to oil-based polyester. The second section looks at how technology can work with nature to make fabrics that biodegrade quickly and the third section looks at how technology can limit waste production.

Bio-Couture, 2007. Bio-Couture Fashion Research Project. [Online] Available at: http://www.biocouture.co.uk/ [Accessed 30 November 2010].

This website documents the work of Suzanne Lee and her bio-couture fashion research project. This source may not be of much use to me as most of the information is presented in photographs, slide shows and films with few descriptive annotations. However the site is visually very informative and would be a valuable source of imagery for my dissertation.

Black, S., 2008. Eco-chic The Fashion Paradox. London: Black Dog Publishing Limited.

This book discusses at length how and why the fashion industry has altered over recent years in relation to sustainable design. The contents of this book are both important and relevant to current designers such as myself, as “western consumers have come to realise complex ethical issues are hidden behind all of our fashion purchasing decisions” (Black, 2008) and are therefore more likely to take into consideration the impacts of their purchases. Numerous case studies are included which highlight companies and designers that have implemented change or been established as a result. These case studies could be of use to me as the companies and designers are ethically aware and focused on reducing the environmental impact of their work. However most of the companies and designers focus on sustainable materials and fair trade as oppose to the incorporation of modern technology. Pages 223 and 235 could provide valuable information. Page 223 discusses sustainable design and manufacturing processes as well as smart clothing and page 235 is about limiting the need for washing, drying and ironing clothes, which is energy consuming.

Creative Review, 2009. [Photograph] Available at: http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/october/crs-incredible-dissolving-bag. [Accessed 2 December 2010]

This is the reference for an image used above. The Creative Review website could however be a useful source of information whilst researching sustainable design and current technology.

Ecouterre, 2010. [Photograph] Available at: http://media.ecouterre.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/bio-couture-2.jpg. [Accessed 2 December 2010]

This is the reference for the photograph I used to illustrate bio-couture. The section of this website entitled Wearable Technology available at the following link http://www.ecouterre.com/category/wearable-technology could also be of use to me whilst carrying out research for my dissertation.

Hethorn, J., 2008. Sustainable Fashion Why now? New York: Fairchild Books.

The chapter of this book, which is likely to be of most use to me, is entitled “Environmental Impact of Textile Production” (Hethorn, 2008). The author discusses the negative affects the textile design industry has on the environment. The impact of using particular fibers as well as the impacts of washing, finishing, dyeing, drying and printing is explained. The conclusion states that “Designers and product developers need to be aware of environmental effects in the processing of textiles and should consider the impacts their decisions have on the environment” (Hethorn, 2008) which I completely agree with hence the reason for wanting to investigate the way in which technology can reduce the environmental impact of the textile design industry. Pages 348-355 are also useful to me as they discuss manufactured fibers such as those, which absorb moisture or resist oil absorption.

Hemmings, J., 2010. Recycle, keep, and grow: sustainable textile design in Britain. Surface Design Journal [e-journal] 34 (3), 10-15 Available through: Design and Applied Arts (CSA) [Accessed 24 November 2010].

This journal covers three designers and their approach to sustainable fashion. The first reuses waste we have already accumulated, the second looks at encouraging people to keep items for longer and the third looks at using materials that can be disposed of with little environmental impact.

Hemmings, J., 2008. Grown Fashion: Animal, Vegetable or Plastic? Textile [e-journal] 6 (3), 262-273 Available through: Web of Knowledge [Accessed 24 November 2010].

This journal covers 3 projects based on “grown fashion”, a concept that is new to me. The tissue culture project and art project victimless leather uses human and non-human cells to produce material. Bio couture is the second project discussed, the bio-couture project looks at growing fabric from bacterial cellulose obtained from plant cells. The wonderland project is also discussed which looks at creating dissolvable garments and plastics.

Information Inspiration, 2008. Product Inspiration-Textiles. [Online] (Updated August 2008) Available at: http://www.informationinspiration.org.uk/ [Accessed 30 November 2010].

The section of this website which will be most useful to me is the area which lists examples of eco-design textile items and companies such as Patagonia Fleeces which are made from recycled plastic bottles and ‘appearing-pattern wallpaper’. However the website is quite limited, I will probably find journals and books to be more valuable sources.

Just Means, 2010. Ethical Consumption Eco Wedding: Say “I Do”, to the Dissolvable Bridal Gown. [Online] Available at: http://www.justmeans.com/Eco-Wedding-Say-I-Do-Dissolvable-Bridal-Gown/22322.html [Accessed 2 December 2010].

This article discusses the work of students at Sheffield Hallam University who created wedding dresses that break into 5 re-usable parts in water. This is an interesting take on recycling and eliminating waste that I could link to the dissolvable dresses created by Tony Ryan and Helen Storey.

Klooster, T. Boeing, N. Davis, S. and Seeger, A., 2009. Smart Surfaces and their Application in Architecture and Design. Translated from German by Y. Grūnding. Berlin: Birkhäuser Verlag

This book looks at luminescent wallpaper, curtains which generate electricity, self-cleaning windows and numerous other smart surfaces, some of which are examples of sustainable textiles and could therefore be useful to me when carrying out research to establish how the textile industry can be more sustainable. The chapters, which are likely to aid my research, are entitled “energy”, “light” and “climate”.

Lee, S., 2005. Fashioning the Future. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd

This book looks at many perhaps revolutionary textile items, which incorporate modern technology such as spray on fabric, suits that can be grown and self-cleaning shirts. Despite being published 5 years ago I feel I can learn a lot from this book.

Not Just a Label, 2010. Bio-Couture: Imagine Growing Your Clothes. [Online] Available at: http://www.notjustalabel.com/articles/bio_couture [Accessed 29 November 2010].

This source discusses 3 interesting and unusual approaches to creating sustainable textiles. First the article discusses the work of Suzanne Lee and in particular her bio-couture project, which began in 2006 but is yet to be resolved. Lee aims to create sustainable, environmentally friendly textiles from bacterial cellulose. A collaborative design and bio-engineering project is also discussed. The project is entitled bio-jewellery; the idea is to create jewellery from engineered bone tissue. The final project discussed is the work of Helen Story and Tony Ryan who have created dresses which gradually dissolve in water.

Sauer, C., 2010. Made Of… New Materials Sourcebook for Architecture and Design. Berlin: Gestalten

This book looks at sustainable, new and efficient materials for architecture and design purposes. This book in my opinion focuses rather heavily on architecture however some aspects could be of benefit to my research. For example the chapter powered surfaces looks at technology such as solar power, fluorescent materials and responsive materials some of which are incorporated in to textiles.

Taieb, A. Msahli, S. Sakli, F., 2009. Design of Illuminating Textile Curtain using Solar Energy. The design journal [e-journal] 12 (2), 195-216 Available through: Design and Applied Arts (CSA) [Accessed 24 November 2010].

This journal discusses how conscientious textile design can improve lives and have a positive impact on the environment. The information explains how careful consideration is needed when making design choices and incorporating technology. In order to achieve the most sustainable outcome, the technology, materials etc used have to be sustainable. The journal as a whole provides me with an insight into how the future of the textile industry can be more sustainable. There are three key areas of this journal, which are likely to be useful to me they are the chapters entitled:

The Importance of Ecodesign and Sustainability

Ecodesign in the Textile Sector

Design of Illuminating Textile Using Solar Energy

Wonderland, 2005. Wonderland. [Online] (Updated 18 September 2008) Available at: http://www.wonderland-sheffield.co.uk/index.html [Accessed 30 November 2010].

This website discusses dresses which have been developed by Tony Ryan and Helen Storey to dissolve in water and therefore combat the problem of excessive waste production. Dissolving plastic bottles are also discussed in this website. After use the bottles can be dissolved in hot water to form a gel, the gel can then be used to grow seeds. This is an interesting concept which looks to eliminate the unsustainable plastic bottle we are currently familiar with.

McQuaid, M., 2005. Extreme Textiles. London: Thames & Hudson.

The chapter of this book which is perhaps most relevant to my research is entitled “Smarter-Textiles from Novel Means of Innovation”. This chapter looks at collaborative work carried out by artists, designers, historians, scientists and engineers who create innovative textiles, which incorporate technology. An electronic tablecloth, a fabric light switch and a jacket with a built in MP3 player are some of the items discussed in this book. Not all of the inventions discussed will be sustainable and will so not be relevant to my research but some aspects of this chapter may be useful. Another factor I need to consider is that this book was published 5 years ago and therefore is likely to be quite dated.

Assignment 4b

Book Analysis

Eco-chic The Fashion Paradox by Sandy Black

This book is a result of Black’s view (2008, pp.254) that there is a “need for more sustainable practices in fashion and textile design”. The author discusses how and why the fashion industry has altered over recent years in relation to sustainable design. Case studies are used to highlight companies and designers that have implemented change or been established as a result. Theses companies and designers are ethically aware and focused on producing eco-friendly products.

In recent times “western consumers have come to realise that complex ethical issues are hidden behind all of our fashion purchasing decisions” (Black, 2008) this means that consumers are now more likely to consider the impacts of their purchases. As a result the contents of this book are important and relevant to current designers.

Black (2008, pp.14-18) begins this book with “The greening of the fashion industry” posing questions such as “How can fashion become more environmentally and ethically sound?” and “How can we consume clothing with a clear conscience?” with the key theme throughout the book being sustainable design.

Black’s own ideas and opinions as a Professor of Fashion and Textile Design and Technology as well as sourced information were used to create this book. Black gathered information during a project she carried out in 2004-5 entitled Interrogating Fashion. Workshops she carried out as part of this research allowed her to gain information from Susannah Dowse (TRAID remade), Kate Fletcher, Phil Patterson (Marks and Spencers) and many other designers and retailers who provided a key insight in to sustainable design. Black also interviewed numerous people to compile the case studies.

Black’s view is that most people are aware of their impact on the planet but few feel empowered to make changes. However she states that this is changing as due to increased awareness there is increased demand causing more companies and designers to produce sustainable goods. However producing sustainable items could lead to a decrease in a companies profit if fair wages were paid and sustainable raw materials were sourced for example. A decline in profit is obviously not desirable. As well as this some consumers may not realize the extent of the problems caused by the textile industry or ways in which they can make sustainable purchases. Others may not care about the detrimental impacts their purchases have, as long as the items they buy are fashionable and reasonably priced.

As a result of development in areas such as “fibre production, textile dyeing, minimizing waste of energy and resources, and addressing labour rights” (Black, 2008) the author concludes that the fashion industry is becoming more sustainable. As well as this it is said that there is not one answer, but “many strategies can be adopted to minimise environmental impact within the design and production of fashion” (Black, 2008). It is also suggested that everyone is responsible for the impact of his or her actions and decisions, thought should be made at every step from design and manufacture to purchase and recycling.

Reference List

Black, S., 2008. Eco-chic The Fashion Paradox. London: Black Dog Publishing Limited.

Journal Analysis

Sensitizing Children to Ecological Issues through Textile Eco-Design by Taieb, A.H. Hammami, M. Msahli, S. and Sakl, F.

This journal discusses the ways in which the design of textile products has the potential to improve everyone’s quality of life and create a better future. Throughout the journal there is particular emphasis on the importance of involving children in design. It is also deemed necessary to raise the awareness of ecological problems relating to the textile industry to children, as children are the future. The importance of using sustainable technology and materials is highlighted with the opinion that we can only “build a better world for the future” (Taieb, Hammami, Msahli and Sakl, 2010) if we constantly consider the environment throughout the design process.

The key question deliberated in this journal is “how can we make things better for people and the environment through the textile products we design?” (Taieb, Hammami, Msahli and Sakl, 2010) In order to suggest solutions to this question information gathered from a research project in Tunisia is discussed. The project “aimed to design functional ecological textile products for a more sustainable future” (Taieb, Hammami, Msahli and Sakl, 2010), children were involved in the entire design process as much as possible. The idea behinds this was to gain an insight in to the way children think. The project also hoped to determine how aware children are of current ecological problems and how much they understand, as well as how important and relevant the children think the problems are. Children’s drawings were interpreted to gain answers to some of these questions. The children were also asked to complete questionnaires as part of the research, questions such as “do you know what makes ecological pollution?” (Taieb, Hammami, Msahli and Sakl, 2010) were asked. It was found that “children have considerable knowledge about ecology and environmental pollution and expressed positive attitudes towards ecology and its promotion.” (Taieb, Hammami, Msahli and Sakl, 2010) However this was based on a study of 8-11 year olds in Tunisia, the findings are therefore not representative of all children. The knowledge of children in Tunisia is likely to be very different to that of children in the UK for example.

Within the text the use of sustainable materials such as natural fibres are discussed as are textile manufacture legislations with the conclusion being that “all consumer textile products, even green ones, have negative repercussions on the environment. They are manufactured using raw materials, energy and water, before being packaged and transported to their place of use, and eventually finishing up as waste.” However the authors of this book reiterate what Black (2008) writes in “Eco-chic the Fashion Paradox” that consumers and designers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental problems, which the textile design industry contributes to. Therefore the customer is now much more likely to consider the impacts of their purchases and this is set to increase in the future. It is also again suggested that there are a great number of ways in which textile products can become more sustainable, but there is not one simple answer.

Reference List

Black, S., 2008. Eco-chic The Fashion Paradox. London: Black Dog Publishing Limited.

Taieb, A.H. Hammami, M. Msahli, S. and Sakl, F., 2010. Sensitizing Children to Ecological Issues through Textile Eco-Design. International Journal of Art & Design Education [e-journal] 29 (3), 313-320 Available through: Web of Knowledge database [Accessed 13 November 2010].

Assignment 3: Initial Dissertation Mind Map