figshare
Browse
RTD2015 04 DAY1 AM Collet 253.pdf (6.61 MB)

RTD2015 04 Botanical Fabrication - A research project at the intersection of design, botany and horticulture

Download (6.61 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2019-04-11, 08:00 authored by RTD ConferenceRTD Conference, Carole Collet, Guillaume Foissac

‘Botanical Fabrication’ is an on-going research initiative which investigates how an understanding of botany and horticultural techniques can challenge the design process and lead to alternative sustainable manufacturing or ‘eco-facturing’ tools. This paper presents different phases of the project, from an initial research workshop (2012), to an exhibition-based experiment (Botanical Factory, 2013) and includes current work in progress (Solar Gourd, 2015) so as to articulate a critical analysis of the work to date. In a context where we urgently need to devise new principles to live, manufacture and consume within the ecological capacity of our finite planet, the paper argues for the development of a new framework for slow manufacturing with plant systems. From Darwin’s research into plant movements to our current understanding of plant physics and biomechanics, designers can begin to integrate botanical and horticultural knowledge to play with the environment of plant growth and envision production chains of a new type.

History

Usage metrics

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC