Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Material Matters - Emergent Additive Manufacturing Material Technologies for Textile Manufacture. Material Matters is a Research Centre at Emily Carr University of Art + Design actively exploring through design-led inquiry, the material science in 3D printing, its pragmatic potential, and the ethical and ecological ramifications of the emergent technology. We propose an applied research partnership between Emily Carr University and Native Shoes, an established Vancouver-based designer and manufacturer of shoe-wear, apparel and accessories. Native Shoes has a strong focus on material innovation and customer personalization rooted in the ethos of ""Wander into Wonder"". Since their inception in 2009, they have invested heavily in material research and development of durable animal-free shoes and apparel. As a result, they have developed a strong suite of material experience and knowledge of synthetic textiles and durable elastomers. Drawing on these assets, the purpose of the project is to develop innovative material pathways sustaining in house R&D by investigating new avenues for product development, in house material innovation, and cost-effective design research methods enabled by new digital processes, production and additive manufacturing technologies. This research project will use design-led inquiry to produce novel material production methods twinning new direct digital material pathways and textiles. Our investigation will produce iterative prototype design and 3D printable models that will be analyzed for aesthetics, form and function.