The new spatial context in building design exceeds the limits of conventional architectural space. A major aim of the new architecture is to create a close emotional connection to the user besides physical enclosure. In this context the emotional of role of the surface is explored both visually and physically in the space perception (Schittich). The interaction between the viewer-user and the viewed space can also be expressed physically due to the integration of computer technology. By means of computational technology new possibilities for the traditional materials to express their aesthetic and haptic properties of the surface can be created in order to appeal to the user emotions. The architectural surfaces exceed their value in this case; from static they become dynamic (Addington and Schodek) interfaces between the user and the physical environment. By touching a complex perception concerning space and objects is provided through shape, softness, texture, vibration, temperature, etc. In this context the sense of touch in the perception of the space becomes fundamental together with the sense of sight. The present paper investigates the new forms of expression integrated into textile materials that are meant to participate actively to our space experience. By facilitating the relation userthe built environment, the focus of the project is to explore a dynamic way to design textile materials that join together aesthetics and computation as manner to expand human experiences. The purpose of the project is to correlate the physical and visual perception of space and focuses on tactility as asset to create interactive architectural environments. Tactility and heat are explored as integrative part of the textile design process in order to generate interactive patterns. By combining conventional textile yarns together with conductive yarns, the result investigates the emotional sensation of warmth through the design of two knitted structures capable to emit heat as a feedback to the human touch.
Sponsorship:
Smart textiles