Building Cloud-Tactility Factory

Tactility Factory-Bangkok Design festival-Building Cloud-7 concrete and weave panels.Tactility Factory (TF) is a collaborative research practice crossing textiles and architecture. The overriding question of this research is whether a collaboration between an architect and a textile designer can result in embedding sustainably textiles in concrete? By drawing in the skills from each opposing discipline, developing innovative new surfaces, responding to research at an aesthetic and technical level. It is a highly conceptual question resulting in unique outcomes evidenced across a wide range of media: academic papers, invited presentations, local and international media, design journals and exhibitions. As a testament of global significance TF was invited by Bangkok design festival to work in collaboration with a Thai weaver and educator to create 7 concrete woven and printed panels. The Siam Cement Group sponsored this body of work as they recognized and supported this innovation in the use of concrete.This body of work was achievable as a result of ongoing collaborative development. Recognition has come from a wide range of sectors: Commercially: Derry Playhouse award, Ice Berg house, James St South restaurant.Design awards:RDS National Crafts competition, Homes & Gardens designer award shortlisting.Innovation awards:The Big Idea award, The 25K NISP awardAcademic: Shortlisted for the RIBA awards for Research and significantly TF has been referenced in the A Level art and design syllabus- offering future generations a model of innovative practice. Now a spin out company, the agenda is driven to develop IP and commercialize innovative surfaces, 3 patents are at International phase. This relatively unchartered model in Art & Design practice will be determined by delivering product to Industry outlining that research within academia can be relocated as an impactful way to develop international partners, collaboration within industry, and employability.