Design, research and innovation into new sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
In early 2015, ArtEZ's Centre of Expertise Future Makers was launched. Future Makers centres on design, research and innovation aimed at developing new, sustainable materials and innovative production processes. The collaboration with creatives, companies and research institutes such as AMFI and Saxion has since resulted in a number of high-profile projects.
Seminar Centre of Expertise Future Makers ArtEZ, 29 juni 2016 from CLICKNL on Vimeo.
The project Closing the loop focuses on a circular economy featuring sustainable and affordable clothing based on recycled cotton and hemp. Compared to cotton, hemp is a material which represents reduced use of raw materials, less waste and a more cost-efficient way of working.
Going eco Going Dutch investigates how we can keep production as local as possible. This project sees textile producers and fashion companies collaborate with research institutes. Together they process sustainable, locally produced textile fibres into yarns, develop tissues and knitted fabrics and turn them into fashion items and other products.
Project Virtual Sizing uses new 3D body scanning technologies to investigate how the clothing of wheelchair users can better match the needs of this market. The existing range does not reflect the latest fashion trends and is often too expensive.
Composing the new Carpet involves examining how designers can contribute to the innovation agenda of the Dutch carpet industry. These designers are brought together with regional producers to try to fill the gaps within the industry.
During the annual event, the interim results of ongoing projects were presented with the aim of sharing knowledge and further developing the network.