Final Blog

What I have learned

Over the semester I have gathered a wide range of information over a lot of materials. These materials covered were fabric, walls, ceilings, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, stones, paints, countertops, and color schemes. The field trips were my favorite part of the class. I enjoyed them because we got a chance to actually physically see and hear about the products. The tours given by the individuals were very informative and interesting. I appreciated each speaker for taking time out of their day to show us around and tell us a little about what they do and why.

The Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute visits were a neat experience. Getting the opportunity to walk through the warehouse and see the machine’s in action was something not many students get to do. Seeing things hands on is much more interesting than a PowerPoint of it. Interacting with the speakers was an easier way to learn the material and actually remember it. I really enjoyed when they turned the machines on for us to see how they work but the only machines name I can remember is “the wyzenbeek”. I learned about the difference between natural and synthetic fibers and their importance.

Visits to the local businesses were even cooler. I loved seeing these businesses succeed and run by people who enjoy what they do for a living. All About Looks reviewed what we had already gone over in class but the fabrics were really pretty and fun to look at. Leftwich Flooring and Collins Tile and Stone informed me of the many different options I have when choosing a floor, a countertop, a kitchen or even a bathroom. The huge slates of marble and granite were beautiful! Also, who knew there were so many wood options; cork, leather, exotic, and bamboo. When it comes to wood, carpet, tile, laminate, vinyl and luxury vinyl, Leftwich can cover any needs. They offered a wide selection of display pieces and samples to examine the product up close, which was fun for us designers. Collins also offered a variety of beautiful samples; I felt like a kid in a candy store. Parker, Smith, and Cooper was my favorite field trip. I liked walking through the LEED certified building and seeing how each aspect helped. The open seating arrangement was a good example for us student to see because we are slowly incorporating that into our workspaces. The green roof was the most interesting though. Although I saw my first one in Chicago, Illinois at Haworth, it was still nice to see another one locally. I didn’t think he was going to actually take us up to the roof when he asked but boy were we in for an adventure. We had to climb a really weird latter and then stand on a tiny platform with what was only supposed to be seven girls, turned into the whole class! It was fun though and it opened my eyes more about going green!!!

This class was very informative and hands on, which helped keep my interest. I have gained knowledge over many materials and will be able to put that knowledge to use in every project. Each field trip taught me something new and gave me inspiration for the future. 

Parker, Smith, & Cooper

Collins Tile & Stone

Leftwhich Flooring

Photo Analysis

The beauty of this moment in time draws you in and the open, sunny, fresh space eases your mind of any stress, if just for second. Smooth, rolling waves meet still, rough sand and create a harmonious, relaxing enviroment. Bright, constrasting colors invite you in, while the peaceful sounds make you stay. 

Unusual Material

A couple years ago I was driving down the street in Albuquerque, New Mexico and two weird looking structures caught my eye. After looking at them for a bit longer, I realized they were homes. The layout was nothing like your typical house and was made from all different kinds of materials. I was later informed these homes were called “earth ships”, a greener way of living.  Albuquerque is not the only location with these green buildings and not one looks like another, each has its own unique style and layout.  Below is one of the two earth ships I have physically seen.

Earth ships are unusual but efficient homes. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. These houses are custom built and self-sustainable. Recycled and natural materials are the main resources used to build each and every earth ship. Almost like the Amish, earth ships are unconnected from any power lines or running water. Choosing to live in one of these homes calls for a different lifestyle, but makes a good footprint in the global environment.

An earth ship has almost all the same luxuries as a regular home, but they function much more differently. Water, electricity, and climate are three systems an earth ships maintains individually. Water is used for many important reasons in a household and in this case is obtained from nature. Water is caught in a container and used in four ways: showers, dishes, sewage, and garden. Toilet water is separate from the water used for dishes and showers. Dirty toilet water is used to water the outside and clean water is recycled and reused for dishes and showers.  Hot water is heated from sun and a back up generator. Electricity is also produced from the sun and wind. Solar panels and wind turbines or windmills are used to create the energy needed.

Although these energy efficient homes are unique and interesting architectural wise, I would not want to live in one. They seem like they require more maintenance and who has time for that. Now days, we all love the instant gratitude of convenience and with earth ships, you have to give to get.

Reynolds, J., 2012, Earthship Biotecture,http://earthship.com/ 

DESIGN EXPO

6 Treatments on campus

All About Looks

Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute

Natural Fibers VS Synthetic Fibers

Natural fibers vs. Synthetic fibers

            Fibers today are derived from many different sources, anything from plants and animals to chemicals. Times have changed and not only are natural fibers still being used, but synthetic fibers are now available. Fibers are big part of our everyday lives and have been for thousands of years. According to Lu and Clarke (1995) hemp is currently the oldest natural fiber and is reported to be first used by the Chinese 5,000 to 6,000 years ago (para. 1). Just recently man-made fibers were created which gave us a lot more options in fabric choices. From the clothes that we wear to the cash that we spend on those clothes, fibers surround us. Both natural fibers and synthetic fibers have their strengths and weaknesses, but does one have more of an advantage than the other?

Natural Fibers           

Natural fibers are acquired from two main sources, cellulous, which is extracted from plants, and protein, which is derived from animal hair. Materials created from natural fibers are biodegradable and breathable, making them eco-friendly and user friendly. Natural fibers are also renewable, making them easy to recycle. Another highlight to producing the fibers is that they aren’t harmful to the environment. One minor disadvantage to these fibers is that they are not as durable as synthetic fibers and diminish over time. The most common natural fibers are cotton, linen, wool, and silk (Gibson 2010). Not only do natural fibers make up our clothing and blankets, but the American dollar bill as well. I recently learned that money is not made of paper, but “a custom blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen” (Forgach 2010). All in all natural fibers are more helpful than harmful and stand as a necessity society.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers have become a major advantage in the fiber and the fabric world. The first attempt to create a synthetic fiber dates back to the 1600’s but wasn’t officially manufactured until the late 1800’s (Miklosic, n.d.). Synthetic fibers were designed to fix the flaws of natural fibers. Each man-made fiber contains specific characteristics that make them stronger, durable, longer lasting, and carry many other traits in their favor. Although these fibers have many benefits, they also have a few drawbacks. A couple disadvantages to man-made fibers are melting when too hot, they are produced from chemicals, and they are non-renewable (Adanur 1995). These inexpensive fibers allow us to enhance fabrics and make many more options available.

Team Work

Together, natural and synthetic fibers play an important role as much needed resources. Without these fibers so easily available, we would not experience the all the benefits from their assistance. In all honesty, both natural and synthetic fibers have their pros and cons but one does not out weigh the other.

References

Xiaozhai Lu & Robert C. Clarke (1995). The cultivation and use of hemp
 (Cannabis sativa

L.) in ancient China. Retrieved from http://www.hempfood.com/iha/v2n1.html

Liesl Gibson (2010). Natural fibers used for manufacturing fabric. Message posted to

             http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/natural-fibers-used-for-manufacturing-fabric

Kate Forgach (2010). What Is Money Made Of? Retrieved from

            http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/what-is-money-made-of

Galina Miklosic (n.d.). A Short History of Manufactured Fibers. Retrieved from

            http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/history.htm

Sabit Abanur (1995). How to select synthetic fibers and fabrics. Message posted to

http://productsearch.machinedesign.com/research/materials_chemicals_adhesives/composites_textiles_reinforcements/synthetic_fibers_fabrics_polymer_textiles