
Waste Textile Morphologies - A composite textile system applicable to architecture
The Waste Textile Morphologies project innovatively upcycles waste textiles from fast fashion into a multi-role composite material system for architectural use. By repurposing discarded fabrics and garments, it addresses the significant environmental impact of the fashion and architecture industries, both ranked among the top ten most polluting globally. Traditionally, recycled textiles are downcycled into insulation, mattress stuffing, or cleaning cloths. In contrast, Waste Textile Morphologies composite textile system expands design possibilities by creating flexible, lightweight structures.
The fundamental geometry of these structures are composite textile elements which are assembled into tetrahedral modules. These modules are structurally validated and generated using a comprehensive material library, containing digitally assessed garment properties. This data-driven process guides a generative design approach that optimizes material placement based on stock availability and specific design requirements. The production of the composite textile elements are supported by a catalog of cutout instructions and an automated wrapping process. The modular units are combined into triangulated configurations, optimizing both design flexibility and structural strength.
In this way, by showcasing the overlooked value of waste and by incorporating biodegradable and recyclable additives, the Waste Textile Morphologies project not only enhances material utility but also promotes a closed-loop lifecycle, supporting sustainability in both fashion and architecture.
ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2024: Waste Textile Morphologies - A composite textile system applicable to architecture
Luiza Longo, Ceren Tüfek, Aysima Yavuz
Thesis Advisers: David Stieler, Katja Rinderspacher, Yanan Guo
Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Achim Menges
Second Supervisor: Prof. Jan Knippers