02/ Altered Earth

Material concepts

01/ Eastern Perspective Colour Material 02/ Altered Earth Colour Material 03/ History, Future, Now Colour Material 04/ Neuro Aesthetics Colour Material

Material direction

“What works good is better than what looks good,

because what works good lasts.”

Ray Eames

Material concepts

WEATHERED

The materials of Altered Earth are touched by the elements, mimicking the natural world and reflecting the never-ending cycle of life. Water and air inspire the materials, as seen in watery, wet finishes. The materials have shimmer effects; our attraction to them may be linked to our innate need for water.

Translucent droplets on plastic/ Plastic sheet with resin

Irregular transparent waves on silver/ Silver paper with acrylic resin

PERFORATION

Perforation makes materials multifunctional and smart, with cut patterns that can open and close in reaction to fluctuating temperature. It tends to make materials lighter, so they are easier to transport. The pattern lets light through, but shields from overexposure to the sun.

LOW CARBON LIFESTYLES

Altered Earth features many natural materials, such as wood, clay and wool. When we use these, we put to good use the natural beauty that the Earth gives us. Raw, natural materials are pressed together. Many of these, such as linen, flax and hemp, use less water and fewer chemicals compared to cotton. The search is on for alternative, animal-free materials. Consider alternatives for leather, made from natural materials. Outerwear can be filled with a stuffing made from wildflowers rather than goose down. Low-carbon lifestyles increase the demand for zero-carbon materials. Fully biodegradable materials include those derived from sugar cane and coffee that can be returned to the Earth.

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Materials possess added functionality; they may be self-cooling, so as to adjust to temperature change, or multifunctional, like graphene. Developments in technology and science influence the materials; we are starting to design new materials in the lab. Biomimicry, the imitation of natural phenomena, has resulted in new materials inspired by spider webs, seaweed, eelgrass and algae. Future materials should be fully carbon-neutral, resulting in compostable objects. Biotechnology could be a game-changer at every level. It could change how we grow and finish materials, and how we construct our products.