Pangea Proxima

story of pangea proxima- a future meeting ground

We explored the idea of abag that changes size. With one side ruched it creates an interesting, asymmetrical design that grows with the person depending on what they may need to carry. While the bag itself fits lots, the size of items is limited to what can fi t through the shoulder opening.

Coffee Sumac Onion skins Red cabbage
Using seasonal eco dyes, we created 4 bags from 4 different ends of the earth to represent the seasonal changes and importance of using vegetation that is local to you and your time.

Using weight and pressure, a rusty baking sheet and some rustymetal from an alley, we created these patterns through theruching of the bags. The patterns, when the bag is unruched,show the growth and change through a person’s life in thestory we told. Much like the pressure and changes that aperson experiences throughout their life, these bags are formedthrough multiple processes that created changes upon theprevious ones. While they began with vibrant colors, the rustingadded a new color and changed the old. The red cabbagebecame muted and almost monotone.

The crystals melt over time and with the heat ofthe body. By attaching them to the string thatgoes through th channel, we are able to controlthe rate that the bag comes undone, by the rateat which the salt crystals melt.

Exploring e-textiles and eco-materials has been a captivating learning experience, weaving together technology, nature, and human experience. The fusion of these diverse elements manifested in the creation of an interactive e-textile fabric that responds to circuits when stretched, forming the foundation of a speculative design; a glove that communicates emotions through the language of movement and light. Our learning process unfolded as we researched the intricate world of e-textiles, discovering both the possibilities and limitations of this innovative medium. While the fabric itself proved less reactive than envisioned, our collaborative eff orts, guided by experimentation and iteration, resulted in a simplified yet functional prototype. The interplay of bending fingers, stretching fabric, and illuminated signals unveiled a realm where technology and textiles intertwine, offering a canvas for artistic expression and communication. In our exploration of materials, rust emerged as a captivating element with a dual nature. Naturally forming from the combination of air, moisture, and iron, rust showcased its agency by constantly changing and creating reactions. The discussion around the extraction of iron from ecosystems, juxtaposed with its vital role in the human body, highlighted the interconnectedness of humans with nature. This reflection on the impact of human actions on ecosystems resonates deeply with the ethos of sustainable design. The incorporation of rust in our fabric-dyeing process added layers of complexity and beauty to our creations. As we experimented with different fabrics and saturation levels, the results varied, creating tie-dye effects, distinct lines, and darker hues. The transformation of vibrant colors, such as those derived from purple cabbage, underscored the dynamic nature of the materials and the unpredictability inherent in working with natural elements. Storytelling became a pivotal aspect of our design journey, intertwining with the evolving narratives of the bags we crafted. From the rouching patterns influenced by rusty metal to the seasonal eco dyes representing the changing Earth, each bag became a canvas for expressing the growth and transformation inherent in the human experience. The exploration of bag size changes, driven by the concept of adaptability, mirrored the ever-shifting needs and challenges individuals face throughout their lives. The eco-materials used in our experiments carried narratives of their own, grounded in sustainability and a profound connection to the earth. Crafting plastic from natural materials, designed in a way that could be consumed if desired, emphasized the importance of aligning our practices with the regenerative capacities of the planet. The use of seasonal eco-dyes further reinforced the significance of utilizing local vegetation, rooting our creations in a deeper connection to both time and place. By playing with eco-textile structures and surfaces, it illuminated the potential of integrating technology with sustainable practices. From the stretching fabric of the e-textiles to the formation of salt crystals responding to human sweat, these workshops served as crucibles for innovation. The delicate balance between experimentation, learning from mistakes, and embracing the transient beauty of materials showcased the evolving nature of our design process. As we navigated through the intersections of technology, nature, and storytelling, our journey became a testament to the intricate play between creativity and responsibility in the realm of design. The bags, with their stories etched in rust and dyed fabrics, stand not only as functional artifacts but as reflections of a conscientious approach to design a practice that harmonizes with the rhythms of nature and the narratives of our shared human experience.

Unfoldable lunch bag / picnic mat

wearables and sewing projects