1: Intro // Design Question
Broad Design Question: How might communication design be leveraged to facilitate the fashion industry's sustainability shift, fostering stronger connections between brands, communities, and the planet while integrating principles of decolonization?
Narrowed Design Question: How can exploring botanical patterns, colors, and textures, along with fabric composition and the impact of plastics, inform sustainable fabric design and communication to foster deeper connections with nature in the fashion industry?
1: Intro // Goals + Intentions
This project embarks on an exploration of the intricate relationship between nature and fabric design, driven by a deep curiosity to understand what makes up fabrics and their broader implications. Using macro photography, the project will uncover the hidden patterns, colors, and textures in botanical elements and textiles. This approach will also explore the multifaceted impact of plastic presence in fabrics, shedding light on its influence on sustainability and environmental health. By examining both the natural beauty and synthetic aspects of materials, the project aims to present a comprehensive view that sparks dialogue on mindful design and ecological awareness. The resulting editorial piece will weave these insights into a narrative that fosters deeper connections to nature, inviting reflection on how design can bridge natural inspiration with innovative, sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
1: Intro // Creative Approach
This project will culminate in an editorial piece that showcases macro photography of fabrics and botanical elements, capturing their intricate patterns, colors, and textures. Driven by curiosity about fabric composition and the impact of plastics, the piece will juxtapose natural beauty with synthetic realities. By blending these visual elements, the editorial aims to inform sustainable design practices and foster deeper connections to nature. This approach highlights how communication design can bridge natural inspiration with innovative, eco-conscious practices in the fashion industry, inviting reflection on materiality, sustainability, and mindful creation.1: Intro // Project Timelime + Keywords
1: Intro // Problem Statement
Lack of Integration of Natural Inspiration in Fabric Design: The fashion industry often overlooks the potential of natural patterns, colors, and textures as sources of inspiration for sustainable fabric design. This gap limits the industry’s ability to create materials that foster a deeper connection with nature and emphasize ecological values.
Impact of Plastic on Fabric Composition and Sustainability: The prevalence of plastics in fabric composition contributes to environmental degradation, yet the full impact on sustainability is not widely acknowledged or addressed. This lack of awareness impedes the development of more sustainable, nature-aligned design practices in the fashion industry.
Disconnection Between Fabric Design and Ecological Awareness: Current fabric design practices often prioritize aesthetics and function over environmental consciousness. This disconnect results in a missed opportunity to use design as a medium for promoting ecological awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the natural world.
Insufficient Communication on Sustainable Practices in Fashion: Communication strategies in the fashion industry frequently fail to convey the importance of sustainable fabric choices and their environmental impacts. Without clear, engaging communication, consumers and designers alike remain detached from the importance of aligning fabric design with nature and sustainability.
Underutilization of Botanical Elements for Sustainable Innovation: The potential of botanical elements, with their diverse patterns and textures, remains under-explored as a source of inspiration in fabric design. This limits the industry's ability to innovate sustainably and create materials that resonate with natural aesthetics and promote environmental stewardship.
1: Intro // Research: Methodology
1: Intro // Research: Method
2: Process // Something Shifted
While driving along Chilliwack Lake Road, I was struck by the sheer amount of plastic waste and discarded items left behind by campers. Despite clear city signs warning of a $2,000 fine for littering, many people ignored these regulations, leaving the natural landscape marred by human negligence. Having visited this road for over a decade while exploring hiking trips, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this problem has worsened each year. This experience shifted my perspective and added urgency to my project, inspiring a deeper examination of the presence of plastics in both our environment and fabric compositions. It underscored the importance of exploring how design can highlight these overlooked issues, integrating sustainable practices and fostering a greater connection to nature through thoughtful communication. This new angle emphasizes not only the aesthetic beauty of natural patterns but also the hidden impacts of synthetic materials, urging a re-imagined approach to sustainability in the fashion industry.
2: Process // Methodology 1: Macro Photography
Purpose and Relevance:
Macro photography is an essential tool for exploring the intricate details of both botanical elements and fabric compositions, uncovering textures and patterns that go unnoticed at a standard scale. This method is especially relevant to my project, which seeks to highlight the hidden connections between nature and fabric design, emphasizing sustainability and ecological awareness. Scientific Insight and Application: Macro photography in scientific and design research allows for the detailed documentation and analysis of microstructures in both organic and synthetic materials. This level of detail is invaluable for studying the textures and patterns in leaves and fabrics, providing insights that can inspire sustainable design solutions. According to Smith and Brown (2018), macro photography aids in identifying subtle characteristics of plant morphology that can be translated into innovative design practices. This scientific approach supports my exploration of biomimicry, where the complex structures of natural elements inform sustainable textile designs.
Technical Details of My Process:
Lens Choice: I used the Canon EFS 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens, which is specifically designed for close-up photography, offering a magnification ratio that allows for capturing fine details at high resolution. This lens was ideal for bringing out the textures and veins in leaves and the intricate weave of fabric fibers.
Lighting Setup: To ensure the textures were highlighted without harsh shadows, I used the iKan Lyra Soft Panel Half Kit. This soft panel lighting provided diffused, even illumination, perfect for emphasizing the subtle patterns and colors in both botanical and fabric elements. The consistent, soft light helped reveal the layered textures without introducing glare or harsh contrasts, which is crucial for capturing true-to-life visuals.
Focus Stacking: This technique involved taking multiple shots at different focal points and combining them into one sharply focused image. This allowed me to capture every intricate detail of the leaves and fabric fibers, ensuring that each element was clear and well-defined. Tripod Stabilization: I used a sturdy tripod to minimize any motion blur, which was critical for maintaining sharpness and consistency across multiple macro shots. The tripod also allowed me to focus precisely and take repeat shots for focus stacking without disrupting the frame.
Insights Gained Through Macro Photography:
Parallels in Patterns: Observing the vein structure of leaves and the woven or knitted patterns in fabrics revealed striking similarities that highlight nature's influence on textile design. These parallels support the potential of biomimicry to inform more sustainable and efficient design practices.
Texture and Composition: The photos revealed contrasting textures between the smooth, synthetic fibers of fabric and the natural, uneven surfaces of leaves. This contrast underscores the dialogue between nature and man-made materials, prompting reflection on the synthetic additions like plastics found in modern textiles.
Micro-plastics and Environmental Awareness: The detailed view provided by macro photography brings attention to micro-plastics embedded in fabric fibers, which are often overlooked. This visual evidence serves as a stark reminder of the hidden impact of synthetic materials and aligns with recent studies that show micro-plastics in textiles contribute significantly to environmental pollution (Thompson et al., 2019).
Research Justification:
Macro photography isn't just an artistic tool; it's a method that enables the revelation of hidden details that can inform sustainable design practices. Juhani Pallasmaa (2009) highlighted the importance of seeing and understanding textures as a way to connect with our material environment, reinforcing the value of detailed exploration in design. This method supports my project by providing visual data that bridges the organic inspiration found in nature with the synthetic realities of fabric, advocating for a shift toward sustainable, mindful design practices. Conclusion: By employing the Canon EFS 35mm f/2.8 Macro lens and the iKan Lyra Soft Panel for lighting, this project delves into the intricate beauty of botanical elements and fabric textures. This approach showcases how macro photography can serve as a critical bridge between natural inspiration and sustainable design, encouraging deeper connections to ecological practices and a reflection on the environmental impact of textiles. The resulting visuals and findings contribute to a design narrative that champions a harmonious relationship between nature and innovation in the fashion industry.
2: Process // Methodology 2: Field Observations
Purpose and Context:
Field observation was a critical part of this research, as it provided first-hand insight into the relationship between natural landscapes and the impact of human activity—specifically the proliferation of plastic waste. This practice aligns with observational methodologies that offer contextually rich, qualitative data, which can inform design projects with a real-world perspective (Kawulich, 2005). The aim was to gather visual and contextual evidence to highlight the contrast between the natural beauty found in botanical elements and the dissonance created by synthetic waste.
Observational Findings:
During my field visits to natural areas, including trails and roadside environments, I documented various forms of litter, particularly plastic containers and other waste left behind by campers. The images taken serve as a stark reminder of the impact that human activity has on the environment. The following points summarize key observations:
Prevalence of Plastic Waste: The photographs captured a range of discarded items, including water jugs, plastic bottles, and camping gear. These items stood in sharp contrast to the natural surroundings, disrupting the landscape's aesthetic and ecological integrity (Thompson et al., 2009).
Environmental Disruption: The presence of these synthetic materials amidst fallen leaves, moss, and earthy ground cover highlighted the tension between nature and human-made pollution. This aligns with the findings of recent studies that emphasize how non-biodegradable waste, such as plastics, infiltrates ecosystems, threatening both flora and fauna (Wagner & Lambert, 2018).
Emotional Resonance: Observing and documenting these scenes evoked a strong emotional response, emphasizing the disconnection between human convenience and environmental stewardship. The field photos not only capture the physical presence of pollution but also serve as a visual narrative that questions our responsibility toward nature and sustainability.
Scientific Insights and Supporting Data:
Research indicates that plastic pollution poses significant ecological risks. According to Wagner and Lambert (2018), plastics do not decompose easily and can persist in natural environments for decades, disrupting ecosystems and leading to long-term environmental damage. Micro-plastics, in particular, have been found to leach into soil and water, impacting wildlife and, eventually, human health (Thompson et al., 2009). Field observations like mine are essential for documenting the visible impact of waste and serve as qualitative evidence that can drive public awareness and inform sustainable design practices. The integration of field photography into this project underscores the need for design solutions that not only mimic nature’s aesthetics but also contribute to reducing synthetic waste in our environments.
Methodological Approach:
For this phase, I employed an observational research method coupled with photography. This approach was selected to provide a visual and contextual understanding of how human activities intersect with natural environments. The field photography captured spontaneous, unaltered scenes, ensuring that the observations remained authentic and reflective of current conditions.
Conclusion:
The field observation phase of this project has been a pivotal component in understanding the real-world implications of human behavior on nature. It provides a powerful narrative that reinforces the importance of integrating ecological mindfulness into design practices. By showcasing these visual contrasts in the final editorial piece, the project will contribute to a dialogue that calls for more sustainable and responsible approaches in both design and everyday life.
2: Process // Methodology 3: Pattern + Texture Analysis
Purpose and Context:
The analysis of patterns and textures plays a critical role in understanding the visual and material intersections between natural botanical elements and fabric compositions. This section focuses on examining the similarities, contrasts, and implications of these patterns to inform sustainable design practices. By drawing visual parallels, this project aims to foster deeper connections between nature and fabric design, emphasizing ecological awareness and sustainability (Pallasmaa, 2009).
Methodological Approach:
This phase involved an in-depth comparative analysis of macro photographs taken of both botanical elements and fabric samples. The visual data was examined to identify recurring motifs, structural similarities, and textural contrasts. This analysis method is rooted in visual ethnography, which allows for interpreting cultural and natural elements through detailed imagery (Pink, 2013).
Observational Insights:
Natural Patterns and Biomimicry: The veins and microstructures of leaves captured through macro photography revealed intricate, repeating patterns that align with the principles of biomimicry. These natural designs are not only aesthetically appealing but also demonstrate efficiency and resilience, serving as inspiration for sustainable fabric structures (Benyus, 1997).
Textural Comparison: The texture of botanical surfaces, such as the fuzzy, layered appearance of leaves and the smooth, complex structures of flower petals, was compared with various fabric samples. The analysis showed that natural textures often exhibit non-linear, organic forms, while synthetic fabrics displayed more uniform, repetitive patterns. This observation highlights the opportunity for designers to incorporate more organic, nature-inspired elements into textiles to create visually engaging and environmentally conscious materials.
Impact of Synthetic Materials: Patterns in synthetic fabric compositions often included visible signs of plastic fibers, which contrasted sharply with the organic, complex beauty found in nature. This supports the notion that synthetic materials disrupt the natural aesthetic and raise concerns regarding environmental impact, as noted by Wagner and Lambert (2018).
Scientific Insights and Supporting Data:
Research shows that patterns found in nature, such as the Fibonacci sequence and fractals, are both visually appealing and structurally efficient (Ball, 2009). These patterns inspire sustainable design by showcasing how nature has evolved to optimize resources. The inclusion of these natural motifs in fabric design can promote sustainability and align with eco-conscious practices. Additionally, studies indicate that incorporating nature-inspired designs into products can enhance users' emotional connection to their environment (Kellert, 2018). The comparative analysis also revealed that while natural materials provide a rich variety of textures and patterns that evoke warmth and authenticity, synthetic fabrics often lack this depth, leading to a disconnect between man-made products and nature's innate designs. The impact of synthetic fibers, particularly plastics, is a growing concern in the fashion industry due to their contribution to micro-plastic pollution and environmental degradation (Thompson et al., 2009).
Application in Design:
The findings from this analysis suggest that designers have an opportunity to blend natural inspirations into fabric compositions, not only to enhance aesthetics but also to promote ecological responsibility. By studying the patterns and textures found in nature, such as those revealed in my macro photography, designers can create textiles that align with sustainable values and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Conclusion:
The pattern and texture analysis highlighted the aesthetic and practical value of integrating nature’s complex designs into fabric compositions. This section of the project underlines the importance of shifting towards sustainable and nature-centric design practices in the fashion industry. The results from this analysis will be incorporated into the editorial piece to emphasize the harmonious relationship between nature and fabric design and to advocate for innovative approaches that minimize the reliance on synthetic materials.
2: Process // Methodology 4: Literature Review
1. Theoretical Foundation – Patterns in Design:
Context: This foundational slide explores how natural patterns can inform design principles that align with sustainability and user engagement.
In-Depth Literature Review: Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language (1977) offers a framework that underscores the importance of integrating natural patterns and motifs into human-centered design. His work proposes that these patterns create environments that are not only visually harmonious but also sustainable and intuitive to human needs. Alexander’s approach is highly relevant to fabric design, where the incorporation of nature’s recurring patterns can evoke a sense of balance and connectedness. Applying this concept, the macro photography in this project captures intricate botanical structures to inspire textile patterns that resonate with natural aesthetics, thus reinforcing the relationship between human creativity and ecological awareness.
Alexander’s emphasis on interconnected design elements aligns with the goal of fostering sustainability in fashion. By using macro photography to reveal the nuanced beauty of natural patterns, the project taps into the core idea of sustainable design as a practice that reflects the order and efficiency found in nature.
2. Sensory Engagement and Materiality:
Context: This slide focuses on the importance of sensory experience and materiality in design practices that promote sustainability.
In-Depth Literature Review: Juhani Pallasmaa’s The Thinking Hand (2009) delves into the philosophy that meaningful design engages the senses, particularly touch and sight. Pallasmaa asserts that the tactile and visual characteristics of materials are crucial for establishing a deep, emotional connection between users and their environment. This insight is critical to fabric design, where textures play a significant role in user experience. Macro photography, as employed in this project, serves to emphasize the tactile qualities of natural and synthetic materials, enabling viewers to engage visually with textures that evoke touch.
This approach complements the project’s objective of exploring how natural patterns and textures can be translated into fabric compositions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also encourage mindfulness and sustainability. By documenting these patterns through macro photography, the project underscores the importance of using materials that resonate with human sensory perception, fostering a connection that encourages sustainable consumer choices.
3. Consumer Behavior in Sustainable Fashion:
Context: This slide analyzes how consumer behavior can drive sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
In-Depth Literature Review: The study Exit from the High Street: An Exploratory Study of Sustainable Fashion Consumption Pioneers by Bly, Gwozdz, and Reisch (2015) explores the motivations and behaviors of consumers who prioritize sustainability. These “pioneers” reject fast fashion in favor of practices that value longevity, transparency, and eco-conscious choices. This consumer-driven approach challenges conventional industry norms and pushes for more authentic and responsible practices.
The findings from this study are particularly relevant to the project’s focus on the communication of fabric design and its impact on consumer perception. Macro photography, by highlighting the beauty and intricacies of natural patterns versus synthetic ones, can play a role in influencing consumers to appreciate and choose sustainable materials. By aligning fabric aesthetics with natural inspirations, designers can tap into consumer values that prioritize sustainability and ethical production, reinforcing the connection between visual appeal and responsible consumption.
4. Environmental Impacts of Synthetic Materials:
Context: This slide discusses the ecological consequences of synthetic materials and their implications for sustainable design.
In-Depth Literature Review: Wagner and Lambert’s (2018) Freshwater Micro-plastics: Emerging Environmental Contaminants? offers significant insights into the environmental impact of synthetic materials, particularly micro-plastics. The book highlights how these pollutants permeate natural ecosystems, causing long-term damage to wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain. This research supports the project’s examination of synthetic fabrics through macro photography, revealing the presence of plastic fibers and their incongruity with natural, organic patterns.
By visually documenting these contrasts, the project aims to draw attention to the environmental costs of synthetic textiles and the need for the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable materials. This aligns with broader discussions on reducing synthetic waste and promoting biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives. The detailed macro images serve as an educational tool, emphasizing the need for material innovation that respects ecological boundaries and minimizes pollution.
5. Biomimicry as Design Inspiration:
Context: This slide explores biomimicry as a strategy for sustainable design, drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient solutions.
In-Depth Literature Review: Janine Benyus’s Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature (1997) advocates for looking to nature for sustainable design solutions. Nature’s systems are inherently efficient, evolved over millions of years to adapt and optimize resources. This principle can be applied to fabric design by using macro photography to capture the intricate patterns and textures found in botanical elements. These images provide a blueprint for creating textiles that not only mimic the beauty of natural structures but also embody their sustainability.
This approach is pivotal for the project as it emphasizes how nature’s patterns can inspire new materials and design practices that are both functional and environmentally responsible. The macro photography method serves as a bridge between observation and application, fostering designs that align with the principles of biomimicry and highlight the value of integrating nature’s wisdom into modern fashion.
6. Connecting Patterns and Design Practices:
Context: This final slide synthesizes insights from the literature, showcasing how these theories and findings inform the project’s approach.
In-Depth Literature Review: The integration of Alexander’s foundational patterns, Pallasmaa’s sensory engagement, and the insights from Bly et al.’s consumer behavior study underscores a comprehensive approach to sustainable fabric design. Wagner and Lambert’s emphasis on environmental impacts reinforces the need for eco-conscious practices, while Benyus’s biomimicry advocates for solutions rooted in nature’s efficiency. Macro photography serves as the method that ties these ideas together, revealing both the beauty and environmental challenges present in current fabric practices. This comprehensive analysis positions the project to advocate for a design approach that is mindful, nature-centric, and sustainable.
By showcasing the parallels and contrasts between natural and synthetic materials, the project calls for a reimagined fashion industry that respects and learns from the natural world.
3: The Solve // Intention
I turned it all into a book...a 100+ page book!
Why "Resonance"?
The title Resonance captures the profound harmony between nature, design, and sustainability, reflecting the interconnectedness explored in this book. In physics, resonance describes the amplification of vibrations, a fitting metaphor for how natural systems inspire and amplify innovative, sustainable practices in textiles.
The prefix "re-" within "resonance" adds layers of meaning that resonate with the book’s purpose: Reimagine: Encouraging fresh approaches to textile design and sustainability. Reflect: Deepening awareness of our connection to the planet. Reinforce: Amplifying the importance of mindful material choices. Reconnect: Bridging human creativity with nature’s wisdom. Renew: Highlighting the potential for innovation to bring sustainability into sharper focus.
Through its exploration of patterns, materials, and processes, Resonance demonstrates how thoughtful design creates ripples—transforming not only textiles but also the ways we interact with the world. This title encapsulates the book’s vision of a future where beauty, functionality, and ecological awareness exist in harmony, amplifying the impact of every choice we make.
Every choice we make as designers, creators, and consumers has the potential to resonate far beyond its origin. The fabrics we choose, the materials we work with, and the processes we support all create ripples—shaping not only the textiles we use but the ecosystems, communities, and futures we impact. “Resonance” is a title that embodies the essence of this book. It signifies the harmony between sustainability, creativity, and ecological awareness, while urging readers to reflect on the ripples of their choices. Rooted in the transformative power of design and nature’s wisdom, the title captures the book’s ambition to inspire thoughtful action and a deeper connection to the world around us. It’s not just a name—it’s the book’s heartbeat, inviting readers to reimagine a future where beauty and responsibility resonate together.
Let us reconnect with nature’s wisdom, renew our commitment to thoughtful choices, and inspire a future where every thread, pattern, and product honors the planet. Together, we can weave a narrative of beauty, resilience, and responsibility—one that truly resonates.
3: The Solve // Outcome
View full book: here
4: Conclusion // Final Statement
"Resonance" encapsulates the very essence of this book—an exploration of harmony between sustainability, creativity, and ecological awareness. It is a title that invites reflection on the ripples of our choices and the interconnectedness of design and nature’s wisdom. More than just a name, it is the heartbeat of this journey, calling readers to reimagine a future where beauty and responsibility resonate as one. This journey has transcended being just a project; it has been a deeply enriching experience of discovery, creativity, and connection. Immersing myself in nature, capturing its intricate beauty through macro photography, and collecting data has been profoundly inspiring and eye-opening. Each vein on a leaf, each fiber in a fabric, reminded me of nature's lessons—resilience, harmony, and innovation. Through this process, I rediscovered the joy of slowing down, reflecting, and reimagining design as an intentional act of care. This book is a culmination of those lessons, and I hope it ignites in you a sense of wonder and a renewed commitment to design with purpose. Let us create in ways that align with the wisdom of the natural world, ensuring that every choice resonates with both beauty and responsibility. Together, we can design a future where sustainability is not a goal but a practice—woven into every thread of our lives.
4: Conclusion // Prompt Questions
If you could create a fabric pattern inspired by any natural element–whether it’s a leaf, a flower, or even a piece of bark–what would it be and why? Take a moment to look around or think back to your favorite outdoor space, and imagine how those details could be woven into a textile design.
How can the choices you make—whether in design, consumption, or daily habits—create ripples of positive impact that resonate with both the environment and the communities around you?
4: Conclusion // References
Ball, P. (2009). Patterns in nature: Why the natural world looks the way it does. University of Chicago Press. Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. William Morrow & Company. Kawulich, B. B. (2005). Participant observation as a data collection method. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-6.2.466 Kellert, S. R. (2018). Nature by design: The practice of biophilic design. Yale University Press. Pallasmaa, J. (2009). The thinking hand: Existential and embodied wisdom in architecture. Wiley. Pink, S. (2013). Doing visual ethnography. SAGE Publications. Thompson, R. C., Moore, C. J., vom Saal, F. S., & Swan, S. H. (2009). Plastics, the environment and human health: Current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2153–2166. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2009.0053 Wagner, M., & Lambert, S. (2018). Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants? Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5 Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., & Silverstein, M. (1977). A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. Oxford University Press. Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. William Morrow & Company. Bly, S., Gwozdz, W., & Reisch, L. A. (2015). Exit from the high street: An exploratory study of sustainable fashion consumption pioneers. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 39(2), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12159 Pallasmaa, J. (2009). The Thinking Hand: Existential and Embodied Wisdom in Architecture. Wiley. Wagner, M., & Lambert, S. (2018). Freshwater Microplastics: Emerging Environmental Contaminants? Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5