Biomimicry is a hard concept to grasp. Kate Fletcher best describes the concept in chapter 6 Local and Light by breaking down the concept into three parts. The three basic approaches of biomimicry can be summed as 1. using nature as a role model 2. using nature as a measuring device and 3. using nature as a mentor. All in all if we were to go back to the very basics and the way nature works, we stand a better chance at solving a lot of the environmental problems we have caused. My concept this week is getting the designers and manufacturers to shift their mental modes to reflect nature in their designs in hopes of creating a more sustainable future.
In my previous post I developed a concept that would help motivate people to recycle using two IE concepts developed by Janine Benyus. I took two more concepts to help inspire my decision to address the issue on the designer’s level. One concept that elaborates and inspires my idea of motivating designers is minimizing the use of materials. If manufacturers and designers were to take on this burden and really think about what materials are used in the design process, we would be able to reduce our environmental footprint. Bradley Quinn elaborates on this IE concept in chapter 5 Sustainability when he goes into depth about morphotex. This revolutionary colorful textile is created without any dyes or pigments. This textile is modeled after the South American morpho butterfly that actually contains no pigments in their wings. The color in the textile is created by weaving polyester and nylon and changes colors depending on the way the light is reflected through the fabric. We could be one step closer to a sustainable future if more designers were to implement this into their design concept.
Another IE concept that influences my idea of getting designers to shift their mental modes is the idea to gather and use energy efficiently. The design process demands a lot of long hours and consequently, a lot of energy is consumed. Designers could take on the initiative of finding a way to power the manufacturing plants and design studios through wind or hydropower. This could cut down the use of our depleting resources (gas, oil and coal) and allow for a more sustainable future.
In the broadest sense, merchandising is any practice which contributes to the sale of products to a retail consumer. At a retail in-store level, merchandising refers to the variety of products available for sale and the display of those products in such a way that it stimulates interest and entices customers to make a purchase.
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Kelli this was a very interesting post. I thought that the required video this week was related to designers changing their mental modes. I think this is a very good point, designers use a lot of resources and finding a sustainable solution would cut down unnecessary waste.
ReplyDeleteI like your thought process in this blog! Also, 'to use materials sparingly' is one of the IE's state that when bee's make their nests for honey, they only use what is necessary to do so and do not over build, an example that we as humans should follow to fit in your following nature as to continue on in the future.
ReplyDeleteKelli, I think you have a great idea and concept in your blog this week. I believe people would be more aware and take a lot more pride in their clothes if they were environmentally friendly. In order for them to buy those products, designers and manufacturers have to create those clothes and advertise them correctly. One idea that could start this chain would be to start a store locally in a rural city to see how well it goes before you expand on the idea. According to Chapter 6 Local and Light, Localism represents a chance for major change within a small radius distance. The idea of creating a store to design clothes with morphotex in the garments may be just the beginning to something big for our environment.
ReplyDeleteKelli,
ReplyDeleteI agree that if we were to go back to the basics we would have a better chance of understanding and solving the environmental problems we are facing today. I think that designers should be challenged to take more of a minimalist approach. Humans should take more responsibility for their actions and their consumption habits in general, but especially when it comes to fashion since it changes so frequently. I really like the ideas on morphotex and think that it would be a nice addition to the fashion industry.