BIOMATERIAL EXPERIMENTS

cus around the points. Grasshopper creates accurately measured geometry that relates to whichever components are added to the design formula. In this case, exploring magnetic field components are the perfect starting point for designing around the pressure points. The points are transformed into circles, divided into curves, then spun away from the centre of the circle with spin force. When this formula is added to all the points, the lines from each division collide so a boundary surface is important for a clearer definition. This boundary is created with Voronoi – a partition of a plane containing corresponding points – so that a dividing line can create geometric cells around the points.

The lace definitions are converted into Illustrator files for compatibility with digital embroidery machines. In digital embroidery there are several stitch styles to choose from. However, because the base fabric will be dissolved, the stitch type should be carefully considered as it needs to remain intact at the end of the process.

The digital lace outcomes are very positive though the stitch style is critical as previously thought. It is clear that the design definition needs to be refined so that the points are more noticeable. The dried samples are brittle after the base fabric is dissolved. To expand this process on a larger scale it maybe be recommended to treat the lace samples in a natural oil. On reflection, digital embroidery machines use thousands of stitches to create these definitions so the sustainability of the production could be improved: a thicker thread with less stitches or a recycled thread could be considered.

biomaterial experiments

A deeper response from State of the Art requires a considered strategy for a functional outcome. The mechanisms of these experiments are inspired by the use of glass beads in weighted blankets and acupressure tools. These tools with tactile surfaces create direct sensation when their texture is ap-

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