Shape changing Interior Textiles

for physical and psychological wellbeing

More Info
expand_more

Abstract

This thesis project is a research and design work created for the master’s diploma in Integrated Product Design, TU Delft, aiming to explore the relationship between woven textiles and product design in the context of interior spaces, through the lens of autonomous activation and motion for better living environment. Textiles can acquire shape shifting properties thanks to electronic actuators and other times thanks to the inherent properties of the materials themselves. In this case, using the Material Driven Design methodology, woven textiles were designed to be able to integrate Shape Memory Alloy wires acting as actuators without the use of electric current. The input is the heat from the environment and the output is the shape change and consequently the user’s experience while interacting with the product. Contribution to physical and psychological wellbeing is the ultimate goal of this interaction. The main tool for the exploration of the woven forms was the digital Jacquard TC2 loom which is known in the textile practice as a tool for quick iterations and intricate structures and patterns. After analysing the basic features of the materials through the tinkering process, four concept forms with different textile structures were created. These were tested on technical level to discover the biggest potentials of the system on shape change and on experiential level with user tests to distinguish the material qualities of the textile that promote wellbeing. Considering the findings from both of the studies, new considerations emerged and one final concept was created and manufactured. It represented an autonomous sun shading system to regulate natural light for interiors and thus provide thermal comfort. The project concludes with the final insights about weaving and shape change and any existing limitations and suggestions for further exploration and testing of the product.