Bio-Material Research (2024)
Blue City Lab
Artist’s Residency
Introduction
The rapidly increasing environmental impact of conventional textiles, such as polyester and other synthetic fabrics, has driven the search for innovative and sustainable alternatives within the fashion industry. My research explores the potential of bio-based materials to transform how we design, produce, and interact with fashion. Building upon my graduation project on moss garments, I have delved deeper into the world of biomaterials, focusing on creating textiles from renewable, biodegradable, and living sources. This research seeks not only to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional textiles but also to foster a new dialogue between nature and design.
Throughout this project, I have concentrated on alginate-based materials as a core focus, alongside exploring other biomaterials such as gelatine, starch, and agar. Alginate, a naturally derived polymer from algae has demonstrated remarkable versatility in creating fibres, films, and coatings. Through experimentation and material testing, I have developed a wide range of alginate-based textile samples, investigating their properties, processing methods, and potential applications in a sustainable fashion.
This research documents the journey of my exploration, sharing the recipes, processes, and characteristics of various bio-based textiles developed during the residency. It also serves as a comprehensive guide for others interested in biomaterial, offering an introduction to bio-based textiles' potential to reshape sustainable fashion's future.
Purposes of the Research
1. To investigate the advantages and challenges of using bio-based materials, such as alginate, gelatine, and agar, in creating wearable garments.
2. To experiment with the durability and practical usability of bio-textiles for real-world applications.
3. To explore how biomaterial can reduce textile waste and mitigate the environmental footprint of fashion production.
Structure of the Book
This physical book is focused on providing biotextile samples. The digital version includes:
• Recipes: Step-by-step instructions for creating bio-based textiles using materials like alginate, gelatine, and agar.
• Photographs: Visual documentation of each stage of the process and the final samples.
• Material Characteristics: An analysis of texture, flexibility, biodegradability, and other critical properties.
• Observations: Reflections on the experimental process, challenges encountered, and future possibilities.
By bridging material science and artistic experimentation, this book not only explores the potential of bio-based materials but also aims to inspire further innovation in sustainable fashion.
The Digital version is on the way soon
Conclusion
Researching bio-based materials, even though they have their challenges, such as durability and practical usage, is still important for several reasons:
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Synthetic textiles like polyester, are a huge part of the environmental problem. They pollute, use up resources, and add to textile waste. On the other hand, bio-based materials are biodegradable and come from renewable sources. By continuing to research them, we can investigate their full potential and help reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact. - Pushing Innovation Forward
Researching bio-materials isn’t just about fashion. The discoveries we make can inspire solutions in other industries like packaging and architecture. By experimenting these materials, we can create materials that work in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. - A More Sustainable Fashion
The fashion industry is changing and people want more sustainable options, and brands are under pressure to reduce their impact on the planet. Developing bio-materials is a way to lead that change and create fashion that’s both innovative and responsible. - Supporting a Circular Economy
Bio-based materials can be part of a circular economy—one where nothing is wasted. Unlike synthetic fabrics that sit in landfills for decades, these materials can return to nature by biodegrading or composting. This kind of approach is key to creating a fashion system that works with the planet, not against it. - Using Renewable Resources
Fossil fuels won’t last forever. Bio-based materials make use of renewable resources like algae, agar, and agricultural by-products. Continued research helps us learn how to utilise these resources efficiently while minimising other environmental problems.
In the end, even though bio-based materials are far from perfect, they offer a pathway for change. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve. By investing in these materials now, we’re taking steps towards a more sustainable, innovative, and responsible future for fashion.
The material sample book with recipes (physical ver.)
Workshop: Bio-yarn made with algae infused in shower gel
16.12.2024 @Blue City Lab, Rotterdam, NL
The idea for this workshop stemmed from my desire to share knowledge and lower the barrier to experimenting with sustainable design. By teaching participants how to create this versatile material, I aimed to spark curiosity and creativity while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Guided by my design principle of making useful, sustainable objects, I developed and tested various recipes to ensure the bio-yarn was not only innovative but also practical. The soap-infused yarn was designed to replace traditional nylon shower balls, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into daily routines. This approach ensured that the materials created during the workshop served a purpose rather than being wasted, emphasising functionality and sustainability.
Through this workshop, participants were empowered to rethink material possibilities, explore sustainable alternatives, and consider how they could reduce waste in their everyday lives.
Research Process
https://www.notion.so/Blue-City-Lab-2-5-months-Residency-by-Hansol-Park-9e0a4af7f3124eec9338f05e91ff47a3?pvs=4