They propose to develop a collection of interactive electronic garments constructed out of a new generation of composite fibers that are able to harness power directly from the human body, store that energy, and then use it to change their own visual properties. These animated garments will change color and illuminate on the body in response to physical movement.
The core technical innovation involves shifting this functionality entirely within the fiber itself. The core artistic innovation involves the creation of a conceptual framework around issues of power consumption and sustainability by creating body-worn, textile-based, parasitic artifacts that draw energy directly from the movement of the human body and use that energy to shift and modulate their physical appearance.
Office dress by Joanna Berzowska & Maksim Skorobogatiy
The core technical innovation involves shifting this functionality entirely within the fiber itself. The core artistic innovation involves the creation of a conceptual framework around issues of power consumption and sustainability by creating body-worn, textile-based, parasitic artifacts that draw energy directly from the movement of the human body and use that energy to shift and modulate their physical appearance.
Office dress by Joanna Berzowska & Maksim Skorobogatiy
Office Dress harnesses the kinetic energy and body tension that results from desk work and releases it in the form of light when the work day is finished. The lower back of the dress is augmented with a padded cushion. While at work, the cushion is flipped up to support the lumbar region. The tedious repetitive movements inherent in office work build up during the course of the day. When the office worker can't bear the tension any longer, she gets up from her office chair and flips the padded cushion down to accentuate the traditional tailored silhouette of the dress. The action releases the stored energy, resulting in a burst of light that travels through the front neckline of the dress.
