Soft Mechanics

SOFT MECHANICS (2007 - ongoing) by Marcelo Coehlo.

HINT: Soft machines.

"Soft Mechanics focus on the development of taxonomy of kinetic elements to guide the design of wearable machines. It is primarly focused on aesthetics as well as the shapes and movements of the body. While traditional mechanics are predicated of the physics of hard materials, Soft Mechanics draws its inspiration from the soft surfaces, rich textures ans traditional techniques of textiles."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Pulp-Based Computing

PULP-BASED COMPUTING (2006 - ongoing) by Marcelo Coehlo.

HINT: Electronic peper!

"Pulp-Based Computing is a series of explorations that combine smart materials, papermaking and printing. By integrating electrically active inks and fibers during the papermaking process, it is possible to create sensors and actuators that behave , look and feel like paper. These composite materials, not only leverage the physical and tactile qualities of the paper, but can also convey digital information."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Sensory Screen

SENSORY SCREEN (2002- 2006) by Zane Berzina.

HINT: Skin as sensor!

"Sensory Skin is a medium that is capable of reflecting our reactions to various psychological or physical stimuli coming from the outer world. Linear patterns occur in places where semi-conductive threads are incorporated when an electric current passes through."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Touch Me Wallpaper

TOUCH ME WALLPAPER (2003 - ongoing) by Zena Berzina.

HINT: Touch sensitive walls!

"Touch Me Wallpaper is an interactive sensory-appeal textile membrane that changes color in response to environmental or human heat. People are invited to interact with the wallpaper by touching it and crating their own bodily heat patterns, which are temporarily recorded on the wall until they fade away completely."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Skin Architecture

SKIN ARCHITECTURE (2004) by Zane Berzina.

HINT: Textile sensory experience.

"Skin Architecture offers a sensory experience that simultaneously involves sight, smell and touch. The magnified skin pieces are visually animated by low electric stimuli passing through conductive threads integrated into the silicone objects. As the resistant heat radiates, the color change patterns increase until the entire piece changes color, while simultaneously releasing relaxing aromas."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

System I

SYSTEM I (2006) by Zane Berzina.

HINT: Responsive membrane!

"System I mimics skin properties that are regulated by our nervous system. The operating principle is based on the properties of thermochromic materials which change color when reacting to an increase or decrease in heat initiated by electric stimuli. When the electrical circuit is open the entire textile system undergoes fluctuating color changes."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Jacket Antics

JACKET ANTICS (2007) by Barbara Layne, Studio SubTela.

HINT: Wearable electronics.

"Jacket Antics feature unique texts and designs scrolling through the LED array on the backs of the two garments. When the wearers hold hands, the LED arrays presents a third, synchronous message that scrolls from one to the other, presenting a new pattern of communication. When the wearers release hands the message reverts back to the individual themes."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Spring On

SPRING ON (2007) by Kai Eichen, Marit Mihklepp and Hanna Tiidus.

HINT: Eternal spring.

"The project contains three objects: a carpet, a tablecloth and a pillow. Together they create a relaxing atmosphere of spring, nature, light and warmth. Traditional techniques such as silkscreen printing, embroidering, sewing, felting and weaving were combined with electronics to produce interior design objects. The electronic aspects ate hidden so the piece project a natural and warm feeling while containing a number of surprises."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

The Interactive Pillows

THE INTERACTIVE PILLOWS (2001-2002, 2004)

HINT: Dynamic textile patterns.

"The Interactive Pillows are based on the idea that the pillows should be able to interact ragardless of geographical distance. When one of the pillows is hugged or leaned against, the pattern of the other pillow changes its aestheti expression. The first generation of pillows were woven on a handloom and made of wool, electroluminescent wire and effect yarn. The second generation of pillows were made on an industrial weaving machine, using the same materials."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Electronic Tablecloth

ELECTRONIC TABLECLOTH (1999) by Maggie Orth, International Fashion Machines.

HINT: Electronic embroidery.

"The Electronic Tablecloth allows viewers to comunicate and play games by touching a keypad embroidered into the tablecloth. Information (visual output) is displayed on the LED text displays in the centerpiece."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Kukkia and Vilkas

KUKKIA AND VILKAS (2005) by XS Labs.

HINT: Expressive and behavioral sculpture.

"Kukkia is an expressive and behavioral kinetic sculpture that develops a visceral relationship with the wearer. The Kukkia flowers frame the face and slowly open and close over time, like a caress. The felt and silk petals provide relative rigidity and integrate stitched Nitinol (a shape memory alloy) wire, which enables the slow, organic movement."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

The Skin Probe Project: Bubelle - Blush Dress.

THE SKIN PROBE PROJECT (2006) by Philips Design.

HINT: Sensitive technology.

"The Skin Probe Project is part of a "far-future" design research initiative to study emerging trends and behavior. The project examines more 'analog' phenomena such as emotional sensing, and explores technologies that are 'sensitive' rather than 'intelligent'.

The Bubelle - Blushing Dress- behaves differently depending on who is wearing it, and therefore exhibits completely nonlinear behavior. A delicate 'bubble' sorrounds it, that responds to skin contact by illuminating various patterns."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

Fibre Reactive

FIBRE REACTIVE (2004) by Donna Franklin.

HINT: Living garment.

"Fibre Reactive is a unique living garment that attempts to raise debate on the controversial manipulation of living entities into commodities and the use of microbiology as an artistic tool. The Pycnoporus coccineus fungus is cultivated and produces a living colored surface. It is the intentios of the work to challenge the role of garments in commodity culture and to aslo draw attention to our own morality."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.

SmartSecondSkin

SMART SECOND SKIN (2004) by Adeline Andre.

HINT: Function to fashion.

"SmartSecondSkin is a scent delivery system that adds function to fashion by mimicking the body's senses, scent glands and circulatory system. Scented chemicals flow freely through the veins of the dress as the fabric selects and emits a scent depending on the wearer's mood. It has its own pseudo nervous system, which allows the garment to control, through olfactory stimulation, the emotional wellbeing of the wearer."*

*from the book Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour.