2 Turning Point
Material concepts
Material Concepts
Dry
With the advent of rising temperatures and the scarcity of water, there is a tendency towards raw and dry materials. Raw materials that can be found in a dried state in nature, such as straw, wood and other fibrous matter present themselves in an irregular and unpolished manner, true to their origin. While the materials may feel rough, the authenticity of the materials evokes craftsmanship and life, woven into the designs and dyes.
Left material, Structured woven linen
Right material, Raffia on cotton backing
Ropes
Threads and rope work pays homage to the traditional techniques and materials that define this craft. There is strength and stability in the heritage of making something the same way throughout history. Hand-woven and hand-knotted materials, knot by knot, are a representation of the passing of time, warmth, community and connection. With a little practice involving the use of inexpensive materials and some imagination, knotting ropes is a technique accessible to anyone. Ropes can be used as a mode of communication, from the hands of expertise artisans to the heritage intertwined in the craft. individual cords tied together to become a whole again. Traditional aesthetics evolve alongside contemporary design influences. There is past and present; heritage and modernity.
Left material, Cotton open woven structure with leather waste strips
Right material, Layered non-woven waste threads bonded with waterbased glue
Waste
The materials of Turning Point consistently transform waste materials into new, useful goods. The materials are humble such as paper, clay, earthy sandstone and wood and celebrate the raw beauty of nature and a desire to connect people and the natural world. Natural grains and irregularities are highlighted. Sourcing from local communities and environments, products can be culturally significant to their point of origin. Cross-cultural material sourcing can be a collaborative effort by learning the potential properties of waste from local perspectives.
Left material, Wood waste & plaster by Studio LvdW
Right material, Coconut fibres with bio-composite by Sonite
Texture
An exploration into the richness, depth and textures of natural materials leads to the rediscovery of ancient knowledge. Natural materials cut into strips or used as loops give life and depth to products. Every inch of the material is used. New technologies and traditional craftsmanship collide in material explorations that feel rich and real, vividly depicting the pride of cultures and craftsmanship.
Left material, Carved wood dyed with coffee waste
Right material, Lasercut upcycled leather with a woven strip
Material Research
Repurposed for life
The materials for Turning Point address sustainability in a local, situated context. Many of the raw materials are upcycled from previous waste streams including banana peels, coconut husks, flowers, and textile. Based on the cultural knowledge built on the environments where the raw goods were sourced, the advice and expertise of the community and its artisans take precedent. The descended heritage comes to collaborate with contemporary technologies, resulting in an experimental and vibrant approach to new design.
Botanical leather
Echoes by Zhongyue Mei uses botanical residues from the gin-making process, making up 85% of the material to create a natural leather of gin pomace.
Glaze printing
Studio Giesen de Brock uses a custom-built glaze printer to print liquid glaze directly onto ceramic tiles. The result is a convergence of technology and design.
Denim expressions
Denim yarn knit by the Outside Denim Lab by Fabritex. Recycled yarns are being used to create new denim expressions.
Fusing wool
Ecco Leather fuses leather with wool to create climate control and comfort with natural insulation.
Amazonian Yarn
Amadeu recycled cotton yarn is coated in rubber and comes in a variety of thicknesses and colours, handmade by local women in the Northern Brazil.
Upcycling waste
Upcycling the waste of banana peels in Switzerland, KUORI is a cleantech start-up that uses the composite of banana peels for textiles, packaging, and even 3D printing.
3D printed wood
Forust 3D prints with wood filament, the technology can virtually apply wood to any application, providing a sustainable alternative to wood production.
Paper yarn
Zand1 and Zand2 by Marian de Graaf are woven from paper/cotton yarn. Each textile is unique and untreated but washable with natural soap.
Recycled wool yarn
Reflect recycled wool yarn by Tuft the World is a blend made of 100% recycled wool and viscose, compatible with loop-pile tufting machines.
Flower matter
Irene Purasachit takes advantage of the flower waste stream to recreate a leather-like material. It uses pulp from various blooms and stems, with unique textures and colours.
Organic pleating
Eva x Carola create 3D knit structures using pleating techniques, for stretch and compression. New structures can innovate and reimagine existing products.
From the sea
Posidonia by Andrés Ramírez of Studiograma uses natural fibre balls of the Posidonia plant, sewn from the movement of the sea.