New Silk - What can we learn from spiders?

'The New Silk' research project studies new ways of producing sustainable materials in the future, especially how to produce new types of silk-like materials in the context of synthetic biology. The project team consists of scientists, material researchers and design researchers with textile expertise.

The goal is in the far future: how to design and produce material attributes at the DNA level through genetic engineering. The original inspiration for this project was a spider’s way of creating materials for its web using 'spider silk', a luxurious and sustainable material with properties that surpass existing synthetic materials. Collaboration between design and fundamental material science offers new tools to create and communicate alternative possibilities in the future. Throughout the project, the designers have been inspired by synthetic biology, trying to imagine what these new designed and engineered materials mean for the future. 

In this exhibition, three textile designers who are also members of 'The New Silk' research team have explored artistic ideas and thoughts which have been raised during the project.