Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Beyond e-Textiles: third iterative workshop

Third biannual workshop of the Nordic network on smart light-conversion textiles beyond electric circuits (Nordic Programme for Interdisciplinary Research - NordForsk)

Beyond e-Textiles, third biannual workshop. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Photo: from the Textile Museum of Herning (Denmark)

The third biannual workshop of the 'Beyond e-Textiles' project was held on May 31 - June 2, 2022 at VIA University College (Denmark). The workshop programme was as follows:

Programme of the third iterative workshop of the 'Beyond e-Textiles' project. Image by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen

At the third biannual workshop, the second iteration period of the project was finalized. The event focused on advanced textile structures (experiments with knit and weave for enabling multifunctionalities), testing material properties in the test lab, small-scale development of fabrics testing ideas, as well as further developing speculative scenarios on aesthetic qualities and functions.

Participating institutions:
-Aalto University (Aalto)
-University of Turku (UTU)
-VIA University College (VIA)
-University of Borås (UB)

We had a diverse programme full of inspiring discussions, lab visits, workshop testing, collaborative ideation, and sharing expertise. The public lecture was given by Associate Professor Paul McElheron on the subject of Knowledge Building, Creativity and Innovation. Moreover, we had a great opportunity to visit the Textile Museum of Herning and to enjoy a tour around the Herning campus of the VIA University College.

Discussions of team leaders at the Steering Board meeting covered such topics as overall strategy, contractual matters (including the first progress report submitted to NordForsk), conflict resolution, FAIR data principles, risk assessment, and adjustments to the grant application.

This event was (partly) supported by NordForsk through the funding to Nordic network on smart light-conversion textiles beyond electric circuits, project number 103894.

More about 'Beyond e-Textiles' project

Workshop gallery

VIA University College, Herning campus. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — VIA University College, Herning campus

Workshop opening. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Workshop opening

Round table discussions. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Round table discussions

Campus tour. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Campus tour

Workshop (textile prototyping, testlab). Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Workshop (textile prototyping, testlab)

Workshop (textile prototyping, testlab). Photos by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Workshop (textile prototyping, testlab)

Public lecture. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Public lecture

Hands-on scenario building. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Hands-on scenario building

Dinner at the Textile Museum of Herning. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Dinner at the Textile Museum of Herning

Visit to the Textile Museum of Herning. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Visit to the Textile Museum of Herning

Visit to the Textile Museum of Herning. Photos by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Visit to the Textile Museum of Herning

Open workshop. Photos by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Open workshop

Project team. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — Project team

Artwork (mural) by Carl-Henning Pedersen. Photo by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen — VIA University College, Herning campus: Artwork (mural) by Carl-Henning Pedersen

*Photos: Aalto University / Giulnara Launonen

Workshop outcomes

There was an extensive tour around textile facilities of VIA University College, and all workshop participants had an opportunity to experiment with existing materials under the guidance of the VIA team.
The second round of experimental iterations was concluded by each partner institution presenting their latest artefacts/research results, and directions for the next iteration period were set.
The public lecture "Knowledge Building, Creativity and Innovation" was given by Associate Professor Paul McElheron (VIA University College).