Softened Edges is a research project that focuses on designing through research. This work is a contribution to my fourth year's honours project: Spatial Design Research and Development.
Re-connecting to nature in urban space through textiles.
A main concern of urban design and living is our limited relationship with nature within a highly human-made environment resulting in a need for more interaction and engagement between humans and non-human species.
Softened Edges identifies this lack of connection and questions how to diffuse conventionally constructed boundaries in pocket parks and other urban spaces.
Wool is explored as both a material to create inhabitable constructions as well as a plantable material for seamless integration into a more comprehensively conceived environment. While facilitating plant growth, wool has air-purifying moisture-absorbing qualities feeding the plants.
Wool fibres also have a soft surface supplying personal comfort and feelings of safety creating inviting spaces for both human and non-human species to inhabit.
Through design research, this project investigates how textile-based interactive structures, and interventions into existing park designs, can facilitate socialisation and strengthen our connection to natural environments.
Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Vectorworks, Sketchup
