Introduction to Bioinspired Textile Design Theory and Practice Online Short Course

The Introduction to Bioinspired Textile Design Theory and Practice Online Short Course is designed to introduce students to a new perspective for creating a more sustainable textile practice based on biology and materials science.

Topics Covered

• Week 1: Introduction
  • What is Bioinspired Textiles (BIT)?
  • Bio informed, biodesign and biomaterials
  • Method of mapping individual practice in bio informed design
  • Overview of BIT framework
  • Basic material properties of textiles
• Week 2: Biological Structural Design Elements Part 1
  • Deep dive into case studies from biology
  • Translating biology and material science for a design audience
  • 8 Biological Structural Design Elements and textile design
  • Helical Structure
  • Cellular
• Week 3: Biological Structural Design Elements Part 2
  • Overlap
  • Gradient
  • Layer
  • Suture
• Week 4: Evaluation methods
  • During this session, you will learn about different methods used to assess relevant mechanical properties of textiles and simple ways to test your textiles in a studio / home environment.
• Week 5: Sustainability
  • The focus of this session is understanding how biology via the BIT framework can help us improve the resource efficiency, recovery and longevity of our design practice.
• Week 6: Case studies
  • During this final session, we will reflect on the lessons from previous sessions by reviewing a series of case studies of professional textile designers who have applied the Bioinspired Textile design framework to their own practice.