While I wandered among the walls of collections at Material Connexion, I was searching for something soft, comfortable and natural. Eventually, I found what I wanted, something grasped my sight that without hesitation, I know this is what I will be using in my design and what I will create. The name of the material, according to the information swatch, was Nordgröna – essentially functions as “Sound absorbing panel made from natural, hand-picked Scandinavian Reindeer Moss.”. Because of an innovative treatment, the porous nature of the surface – the color and texture of the luxuriant moss – was well preserved. It was said that the material itself, “Due to its hygroscopic properties, has the ability to “breathe” by attracting, holding and releasing water vapor from the surrounding environment.” The most noticeable property of this moss panel is its significant sound absorbency. When I looked at the material and had my hand pressed into the soft panel, my tiredness and anxiety were soothed away by the feeling of “embraced by nature”.
Fig. 1 – The moss panel
Fig. 2 – A close-up view of the natural texture
However, the surface of the moss panel cannot withstand physical contact, as I observed pieces falling down every time my hand moved through the surface. As a result, I decided to choose a fabric for my second material to cover the surface of panel that will establish body contact with users. The second material is named Madaline ® Microfilament Fabrics.
Fig. 3 – the Fabric
Fig. 4 – Close up of the soft, single-woven surface
The material, according to Material Connexion, is “a series of new microfilament nonwoven fabrics that uses bi-component technology to produce a soft, smooth, and scratch and lint-free fabric.” and is uniquely applicable for processes such as finishing, dyeing, printing, cutting, and stitching just like any traditional textile. I choose this specific type of fabric was because of its distinguishing property – The fabrics are comfortable and breathable while offering superior moisture management, with useful properties include thermal insulation, fire resistance, wind resistance, absorbency, quick-drying, antistatic, breathability, allergy friendly and UV protection, with an inherent barrier against bacteria and dust mites. As I intended to place my product in busy places for transportation such as subway stations, airports, train stations etc. these properties would be very helpful and beneficial for the potential environmental damage it may face.
Fig.5 – Places for those who are tired of the business
