Course Details

1. Identify and discuss the design and manufacture of woven, knitted, non -woven and printed fabrics in relation to a given project brief.
2. Recognize the importance of in depth research with regards the design of a fabric for a specific product area so as to solve and translate the design needs for the required product; whether this be in furniture or specific interior design.
3. Examine historical and contemporary references as well as experimenting with alternative materials so that the student makes correct choices and create innovative fabrics, which translate the concept of the project brief.
4. Evaluate, rescale or put into repeat fabric design ideas so that they can be used for an end product design.
5. Experiment and create colour-ways for their chosen designs.
6. Create an end product which is visually exciting and which has challenged the students conceptual thought process, showing how important a fabric / textile can be to an interior space.

Introduction to textiles: Understand the manufacturing process and the impact of technological progress in textiles industry. Analysis of printed, knitted, woven and non-woven fabric.

Research and methodology: Identify and analyse through primary and secondary research of the importance of printed and constructed textiles on the performance and aesthetic appearance of a design product.

Experimentation with textiles: Understand the qualities and behaviour of textiles. Associate characteristics of textiles with emotions.

Research and analysis: Identify textile designers and artists who have extensively used textiles in their work. Analyse and understand construction and creative design. Understand the project brief, which is to create a space with evident usage of textiles.

Presentation skills and final presentation:Apply the knowledge acquired to their designs. Experiment with textiles and apply their findings to their project. Self-access their project. Present and support the choices made. Produce in 3-d the design of the space designed.

No specific textbook required

• Magazines like: Textile View, Textiles International, Collezioni, Book Moda, Domus
• Internet Sites like: www.christojeanneclaude.net www.artnet.com www.studio-orta.com
• Textile Print Design, Richard Fisher, Dorothy Walfihal, 1987
• Textiles, Edward Miller, Batsford, 1992
• The textile book, Colin Gale, Jasbir Kaur, Berg, 2002
• The sixties, Lesley Jackson, Phaidon, 2005
• Fine Fabric, Chris van Uffelen, Braun, 2009

The taught part of the course is delivered to the students by means of illustrated lectures, extended project briefings and group critiques. One to one tutorials encouraging individuality and identity. Primary and secondary research, student centered practical work, realization of project work.