Introduction to Bioinspired Textile Design Theory and Practice Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Taught through a combination of lectures, practical exercises and discussion, this six-week course introduces students to a new perspective for creating a more sustainable textile practice based on biology and materials science. Students are introduced to bioinspired textile design (BIT).
The course is made up of a series of weekly online sessions designed to help students build their knowledge and understanding. Students are expected to work 1-2 hours per week outside of class to get the most out of the course.
Several topics are covered during the course including bioinspired structural design elements, material science for textile designers, and bioinspired textiles and sustainability. Students also gain an insight into how bioinspired textile design (BIT) can relate to their own practice.
Who this course is for
The course is suitable for designers, creatives, managers and entrepreneurs in the creative industries (intermediate) with an interest in learning how material science can help us extract textile design lessons in sustainability from biology.
Key information
Topics covered
Week 1: Introduction
- What is bioinspired textiles (BIT)?
- Bio informed, biodesign and biomaterials
- Method of mapping individual practice in bio informed design
- Overview of BIT framework
- Basic material properties of textiles
Week 2: Biological structural design elements part 1
- Deep dive into case studies from biology
- Translating biology and material science for a design audience
- 8 biological structural design elements and textile design
- Helical structure
- Cellular
Week 3: Biological structural design elements part 2
- Overlap
- Gradient
- Layer
- Suture
Week 4: Evaluation methods
- Different methods used to assess relevant mechanical properties of textiles and simple ways to test your textiles in a studio / home environment
Week 5: Sustainability
- Understanding how biology via the BIT framework can help us improve the resource efficiency, recovery and longevity of our design practice
Week 6: Case studies
- Reflect on the lessons from previous sessions by reviewing a series of case studies of professional textile designers who have applied the bioinspired textile design framework to their own practice
Learning outcomes
- Articulate the difference between biodesign and biomaterials
- Identify mechanical material properties relevant to textiles
- Describe how different disciplines intersect within the field of bioinspired textiles
- Describe the 8 biological structures within different textile design practices
- Select and apply appropriate test method to demonstrate the mechanical property of their textile(s)
- Analyse case studies and identify structures and sustainability lessons in real-world examples
- Explain how principles learned in the course relates to their own practice
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
Recommended materials:
- Notebook and pen
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.
Tutor
Steph Rolph
Stephanie Rolph is a highly skilled woven textile designer with expertise in design-driven material innovation. With a distinguished educational background including graduating from CSM and RCA, Stephanie blends originality with innovative approaches to textile design and development. Over the past decade, she has collaborated with prestigious brands in Fashion, Couture, Interiors, and the Automotive industries, leaving her mark on projects spanning New York, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, and the UK. In addition to her successful studio practice, Stephanie holds positions as a lecturer at CSM and Chelsea College of Art, as well as a design researcher at UAL. Her academic research leverages her vast commercial design experience to establish circular and traceable supply chains within the UK, specializing in British Wool. Presently, Stephanie serves as a postdoctoral research fellow on the pioneering Bio-Inspired Design Research Project, further pushing the boundaries of her field.
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