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4D Weaving: New methodologies to explore the crossover between craft and digital

Zajicek, Sophie

Authors

Sophie Zajicek



Abstract

Weaving is a formulaic and multi-faceted manufacturing method that has been in use since the Neolithic age, it is a technology that interlaces fibres at right angles to produce robust textiles for garments and furnishing. It is a craft that primes the weaver to think digitally – This project explores the relationship between the craft of weaving and the digital world. In the 21st century, with advances in novel materials and digital techniques, there is the potential for reinvigoration of this overlooked technology. The significance of utilising craft knowledge within interdisciplinary collaboration has been known to result in innovative textile structures, such as the Woven Pavilion in Peru - by Studio Tom Emerson and ETH Zurich, which combined weave knowledge with the expertise of designers and architects. This paper focuses on current practice-led PhD research, exploring 4D weaving processes, combining craft and digital technology and analysing how each process may lead to a very different outcome.

Alec Robertson defines 4D design as “the dynamic form resulting from the design of the behaviour of artefacts and their environment”. The research proposes weaving as a 4D design method - a transformative time-based process. Demonstrating the investigation of weave design in 4D, providing new insights into the weaving process. The 4D weaving processes include: Off loom freeform weaving; Binary notation to loom; Binary notation to Rhino 3D modelling software to 3D fabrication; Gravity sketch VR 3D modelling tool to 3D fabrication; Loom to 3D fabrication.

This project investigates the workflow process of 4D weaving - how woven structures are translated from software to product using different analogue and digital platforms. The workflow process is the documentation of practice from a user perspective - how I explore, play and apply existing materials and processes. It is documented using video recordings, photographs, physical logbooks and woven textiles. It is visualised using mind mapping software, containing links to videos, images of experimentations and logbooks, Instagram and blog. This mapping shows the route taken at every stage of the process.

The anticipated output will be a series of visual documentations and woven textiles that have been produced using 4D weaving processes, that sit alongside a map of the workflow. This has the potential to inform experts in disciplines including architects, engineers, scientists; leading to exciting advancements in weave and weave knowledge.

Citation

Zajicek, S. (2019, September). 4D Weaving: New methodologies to explore the crossover between craft and digital. Presented at Making Futures 2019, Plymouth College of Art

Presentation Conference Type Lecture
Conference Name Making Futures 2019
Conference Location Plymouth College of Art
Start Date Sep 19, 2019
End Date Sep 20, 2019
Deposit Date Sep 15, 2020
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6689608

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