THE RESEARCH LAB
Our Research lab is an interdisciplinary and trans-diciplinairy environment where the main research conducted has textile’s at its centre. Here we look at a variety of development opportunities for textiles in traditional sectors (fashion, interiors furnishings etc.) and new sectors (water harvesting, architecture, medical sector etc.).
The Research lab is divided into:
- Processes:
This is the methods used in the constructions of a textile fabric. Here we are focussing on : Weaving looms, Spinning/ hand spinning, needle/ surface work, Knitting machine, hand knitting, Indigenous methods and practices and crochet. - Textiles:
We research traditional textiles (including fibres) designs and structures. We also look at innovating the textiles for new applications. The area’s of research for textile innovations for solutions in Africa focus in: Water Management, Medical textiles, Interiors, Fashion, Construction-architecture
AFRICAN TEXTILES FOR FASHION
There are many authentic made in African traditional fabrics that are still being produced and used in local markets. There are still many more that are ‘forgotten’ that we want to bring under the attention of people.
We also want to focus on material and process innovations while driving creativity in design.
TEXTILES FOR INTERIOR DESIGN
The African aesthetics is can be minimalist or maximalist, depending on your inspiration source. With a largely untapped market for African made interior design products this sector offers a range of opportunities for both material and creative innovations.
TEXTILES AND WATERHARVESTING
There are many regions whit-in Africa that could greatly benefit from alternative developments in water harvesting. We look at how textile can contribute to such regions and benefit the communities lifestyles.
TEXTILES AND ARCHITECTURE
Africa’s climate conditions allow for a variety of lifestyles. This in combination with traditional building designs and construction techniques we explore the contribution textiles can have in this sector.
TEXTILES IN MEDICAL SECTOR
The medical sector uses woven and non-woven fabrics for a variety of care purposes. We want to further explore any traditional knowledge that can further assist people in their recovery.
In order to produce yarn one has to spin the fleece in order to create threads with strength to construct the textile. Fleece is obtained from animals, usually sheep, goat hair and camel hair, and from plants, cotton, linen, raffia etc.
Spinning was done with a hand spindle and later on with a spinning wheel.
SPINNING
Contemporary Hand knitting has been a popular technique in creating a variety of products for fashion or home decor. The technique itself, the use of 2 straight sticks to knot different patterns, have been in existence for a long time. We research knitting in context to the African nations and their practices.
KNITTING
There has been many ancient findings of crochet accessories on the African continent. There are still some nations continue producing traditional accessories made from crochet techniques today. We research crochet in relation to the African nations practices.
CROCHET
A generic word describing techniques such as cross-stitch, embroidery, needlework etc. These techniques have all been used in decorating woven and non woven textiles. The designs are expansive and very unique to the African continent.
