This next post regarding the content of my PhD thesis is talking about the in-depth study into the potential to design imageries that cover several surfaces (e.g., textiles, light and shadows) within a three-dimensional space. These imageries are created due to the interaction between sunlight and a textile when solar energy is used as an activator for thermochromic dyes.

These investigations resulted in the definition of ‘an extended imagery’ (consisting of ‘the physical textile’, ‘the intermediate zone’ and ‘the incident surfaces’). The result in the thesis demonstrate how designer’s decisions concerning the construction and design of the physical textile, can, in addition, be used to achieve intended expressions and functions within the other two connecting levels,‘the intermediate zone’ and ‘the incident surfaces’. The ‘extended imagery’ was included in the thesis to demonstrate that textile designers can actively address, not only functions, but also extended aesthetics by working with all, or parts of, the three levels of this extended imagery.

Additionally, the in-depth experiments and observations conducted in this particular section of the thesis resulted in the definition of a set of key variables (movement of position of imagery, direction of movement within imagery, and composition). The aim was to provide designers with variables to consider when designing a textile that provides sunlight projection so he/she can gain more control over the design outcome of the light and shadow imageries projected on the incident surfaces.

To find out more about ’the extended imagery’ and the light and shadow investigations see Chapter 5 (section 5.6-5.8) in my PhD thesis Thermochromic textiles and sunlight activating systems: an alternative means to induce colour change. Click here to download

To read an overview of the whole thesis project, click here.