Autonomous Substrates Project

 ‘Autonomous’ meaning independent and ‘Substrate’ meaning a surface, material, substance or layer, were both words that led us to explore cells, namely aggressive cancer cells, that mutate independently, creating internally damaging and often fatal layers. 

We were conscious of the sensitivity of such a subject matter, but felt, when evaluating holistically that technology too is like the cancer of our society, and that our exploration could present a potent, rounded consideration of tech itself too.

All our research was grounded in scientific imagery of cells. The vivid tones and extremely intricate details of the images served as strong secondary research. When drawing from this imagery, we were able to explore silhouettes and detailing in an extensive manner.

Multiple spheres, with what looks like stretching, stringy structures cast between them, soon emerged as our key design detail. With this in mind we set about 3D printing our own designed structures inspired by this main detail.

Due to the restraints of time associated with 3D printing, as well as our own pre-conceived prejudice against the software we were using, we decided to take the technology back into our own hands, literally.

Using a 3D printing pen, we were able to experiment with intricate detailing, textural adornment and even whole textile creation. It felt to us like a re-appropriation, where, in our ignorance concerning programming, and tech, we could combine raw creativity with futuristic technology. 

I have always considered wearable tech and 3D printing to be a niche market- light up dresses seeming particularly naff. Yet I now see these new technologies as artisanal craft, as much as they are scientific inventions. Whether it serves a function or in our case is purely decorative, the use of wearable tech is undoubtedly the future and can sit side by side with long established design styles and aesthetics.

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