Research Centre: Textile Thinking

This weeks blog task for theoretical and ethical studies is to look at the research centres on the University of huddersfield webpage and to write a small summary of one of them and to also write about how this research may link into my work. I have chosen The Centre for Textile Thinking.

'The Centre for Textile Thinking focuses upon four key areas: Science and technology, sustainable futures, craftsmanship and the handmade, enterprise and business engagement.' -
http://www.hud.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/tt/

The centre for textile thinking really pushes the boundaries when it comes sustainable futures, this is the main reason I have chosen to write about this research centre. In theory, I have chosen to write my 3000 word essay on textiles ecology so I feel the sustainable futures area of this research area is key to my work. 

The textiles ecology lectures with Jade Whitson-Smith have really taught me a lot and in some way because of this I feel like I have evolved as a textile designer. I have learnt that every part of the design cycle has waste and we need to find a solution to prevent that waste rather than to deal with that waste in a more environmentally friendly way. I have also learnt that the end life of textiles is just as important as the start of its life. As designers we should be looking at designing our textiles in a more environmentally friendly way to prevent pollution, water pollution from chemicals etc, we should also consider more safe, sustainable and practical manufacturing and transportation methods. Finally we should consider communicating and putting into practice a more sustainable way that our designs/garments should be used in the hands of the consumers.