Traditional crafts can inspire people working with innovative technologies, but, in turn, those of us who love craftsmanship can get inspired (as we have seen also in yesterday's post) by new techniques.
For example, a research published on the site of the Geometric Computing Laboratory at the School of Computer and Communication Sciences of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland, or EPFL) moves from basket weaving, but takes this craft to another level.
The starting point for this research entitled "3D Weaving with Curved Ribbons" is an observation of weaving and in particular of basket weaving: the latter consists in forming curved surfaces interweaving a series of thin, flexible and initially straight materials (think about ribbons or wicker baskets).
Little by little, thanks to the densely woven materials and to the ribbons alternating over- and under-crossings in regular patterns, a 3D piece, characterised by a stable and solid structure, is produced. While weaving finds different applications in a variety of disciplines, from art and crafts to textiles, fashion, interior and architectural design, this technique only allows to create specific shapes and not a wide range of geometries.
The researchers behind this project instead tried to rethink basket weaving, by applying an optimized approach that consists in weaving carefully curved ribbons. An algorithm computes the ribbons' planar geometry such that their interwoven assembly closely approximates a given target design surface in equilibrium, the result is a broad range of new woven geometries not achievable by existing methods.
While the impossible geometries resulting from this project are particularly exciting, there are some limitations to this technique, in particular the fact that certain materials like wood or bamboo can't be used with these processes (because of the clearly defined fiber directions in these materials; this technique provides better results with paper, plastics, or composites).
The other limitation highlighted in the paper accompanying the research is the potential waste generated by this technique when cutting ribbons from sheet material (after being laser cut the ribbons must be split for fabrication), but algorithms may help regulating a bit better the fabrication process, helping to reduce waste.
While the geometry formed by curved ribbons can be fascinating thanks to the highly complex results produced, if you're interested in weaving, but would like to be inspired by more traditional techniques and materials, check out some vintage pieces like this Japanese "Bandori", a backpack cushion pad with shoulder straps made of cloth and straw, available for sale on the Tatami Antiques site, an independent online marketplace for Japanese antiquities that often offers intriguing textile pieces and ideas for fashion designers (the item is sold by titcoret, a seller that often offers special items like patterns, kimonos and mini-kimonos for dolls).
A local mingei farm tool from the Tohoku region, Japan, from the Showa period (early 20th century), this design (dimensions: approx. 50 x 32 x 6cm) is simple yet extremely modern.
The best things about this piece are the densely woven bicoloured straps and the reinforced back that make it look like one of our modern and dynamic backpacks. So what will your woven structure be, curved and high-tech or inspired by the past?
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