Unearthing the materials behind the making

Makerversity launches ‘Material Explorations’ a two-part event examining experimental new work from material designers, through a series of debates and hands on workshops.

At the core of any making process, materials define the limitations of design, raise questions around social and ethical manufacturing processes and create the primary interface between us and our experienced world. In this inaugural event, Makerversity explores sustainability and takes a closer look at how innovation in materials and processes is disrupting what we make and how.

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DEBATE | Thursday, June 29th 18:30 - 20:00

New Wing, Somerset House (Access from Lancaster Place / Waterloo Bridge)

Is sustainability created by the maker, the manufacturer or the user of the product? Can 3D printers revolutionise the textile industry through recycled yarns? These are just some of the questions designers are tackling today, in this panel talk we bring together three Material experts and praticitioners to discuss how we can become changemakers in the journey towards a more sustainable future.

Caroline Till is Co-Founder of Futures Research Studio FranklinTill. Editor of Viewpoint and Viewpoint Colour, FranklinTill Studio work with global brands to understand how design and material innovation can impact positive change. Previously responsible for pioneering and directing the Material Futures course at Central Saint Martins, Caroline has been contributing worldwide on the subject of sustainable design practices, design innovation and future materials.

Conor Taylor is a London based designer who uses innovative processes to develop materials, furniture and interiors. His latest project is Foresso, repurposing high quality timber before it becomes waste to produce a versatile and hardwearing terrazzo sheet material.

Paul Smyth is founder of COALSTORE, a jewellery collection made from fossilised carbon minerals. COALSTORE's mission is to battle mindless consumption, provoke fervour and possession and lock coal back into the ground protecting life from further pollution.

Host:

Liz Corbin is a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Making. Corbin’s research explores the emergence of open workshops in Britain; investigating the materials, processes and cultures of practice indicative of this ever-fluid sector, particularly in relation to systems of production. Corbin holds a BA in Design and an MA in Material Culture. She is a contributor to the Fab City Global Initiative, collaborator of the Future Makespaces in Redistributed Manufacturing RCA project, and strategic partner to the Hello Shenzhen British Council programme. Her work has included founding the Open Workshop Network as well as co-founding Maker Assembly, and has helped to shape the debate around makerspaces and maker culture in Britain.

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MAKE | Saturday, July 1st 11:00 - 16:00

River Rooms, Somerset House (Access via the River Terrace)

Makerversity invites you to explore new materials and processes through live installations, hands-on workshops, demonstrations and participatory artworks, led by material designers working at the forefront of innovation. Learn about the potential of human hair waste with Sanne Visser, the future of mined materials in the Anthropocene with Yesenia Thibualt-Picazo and vessel making with reclaimed clay from Thames southbank with Conor Taylor and many more.

• Sanne Visser : Rope making with human hair

• Conor Taylor : Reclaimed clay workshop

• Yesenia Thibault-Picazo : DIY Geomimicry - making London's future geology

• Jenny Banks : 3D-printing sustainable textiles

• Betts & bowles : The Supper Cloth

• Bonnie Pierre Davies : Abstract Embroidery

• Coalstore : Investigating the properties of coal

READ MORE ABOUT OUR WORKSHOP LINE UP HERE