Material Exploration of Seaweed
Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce) and Red Algae
A material found in abundance along the coast of Rhode Island. The excessive volume of the resource allows the scope to adapt it to sustainable design practices.
This exploration will focus on stretching the possibilities of the material in an innovative and aesthetic manner.
Appealing Properties:
1. Saturation of color
2. Transparency
3. Flexibility
4. Variations in scale
5. Availability of Resource
6. Natural and Sustainable
Material Manipulation Studies:
Applying heat, adhesives, fabric, Twisting, Braiding, Sealants, etc.
Prototype 1:
Sandal made with Seaweed upper. Using techniques of layering with Nylon fabric, the material varies in opacity, thickness, and color.
Pushing the bounds of the material further, several other explorations were conducted to test out where the materials can be incorporated.
1. Adaptation of Paper Making Technique: Seaweed pulp was created with minimal addition of scrap paper to create a thick, sturdy material which is also soft and pliable for the insole.
2. Desiccation: Removing moisture from the materials and testing them in resin to see the reactions.
Discovering a subtle natural growth aesthetic.
3. Molding: Creating molds with plasticine by taking an imprint of the shoe last and creating a thread pattern using found materials such as shells.
Pouring resin and adding the desiccated seaweed to the mold, creating the textured outsole with a strong grip.
Prototype 2:
Resin molded Outsole with desiccated Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce) and Red Algae,
Seaweed and Paper insole, Seaweed and Nylon Upper.
Renders inspired by this exploration:
