Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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.