In contemporary design, the lines between natural and synthetic realms are becoming increasingly blurred. Designers are actively seeking innovative solutions that align with sustainability and circularity, and one of the most groundbreaking developments is emerging from the textile sector. Anett Papp‘s project, “Matter in Motion: Naturing”, is at the forefront of this movement, showcasing how living plant materials can be harnessed to create biodegradable textiles. This innovative approach offers potential applications across multiple design disciplines, particularly fashion and interior design.
Creating Textiles from Living Plant Material
Papp’s project, which was presented at Dubai Design Week, is focused on creating textiles from wheatgrass, a living plant material grown in a controlled environment. The process begins two weeks before an exhibition, with wheatgrass planted in custom templates. As the wheatgrass grows, it forms a unique, structurally complex textile that is deeply connected to its environment. Each piece is distinct, with the plants naturally imprinting the surrounding conditions into their form. This method exemplifies the merging of natural growth cycles with design, resulting in a material that is both sustainable and alive.
Applications for Fashion and Interior Design
This innovative approach to textile creation is particularly relevant for fashion designers, interior designers, and landscape architects who are seeking more sustainable material solutions. The use of wheatgrass and other plant-based systems aligns perfectly with current trends toward biobased materials and circular economy principles. The growing process itself eliminates the need for complex production lines, providing a streamlined alternative to traditional textile manufacturing. Instead of producing yarn, weaving it, and then sewing it into garments, the entire process occurs simultaneously in one location as the plant grows. This significantly reduces resource use and waste.
Living Elements in Interior Spaces
Papp’s project also opens up new possibilities for interior design applications. These living textiles can be used as wall coverings, soft furnishings, or even experimental spatial dividers that incorporate living elements into interior spaces. The growth patterns of the plant can be customized by manipulating environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, allowing for a high degree of personalization. This approach to customization and integration with the natural environment appeals to architects and interior designers interested in creating spaces that embrace biophilic design principles.
Focusing on Circularity
Circularity is a core focus of Papp’s project, and the developed textiles are fully biodegradable. Once their use has ended, they can be composted back into the environment, a stark contrast to conventional textiles that often involve synthetic fibers and harmful chemical processes. The lifecycle of these grown textiles supports a regenerative system in which waste becomes a nutrient, feeding back into the environment without causing harm.
Replacing Synthetic Finishing with Natural Growth Cycles
The research also highlights how natural growth cycles can replace synthetic finishing processes traditionally used in the textile industry. Instead of relying on oil-based chemicals to finish fabrics, the natural properties of the plant material are utilized to determine texture, color, and structure. This reduces the need for environmentally harmful substances and introduces a new perspective on textile design—one that respects and incorporates the dynamic forces of nature.
Rethinking the Relationship Between Material and Environment
Ultimately, Papp’s project is about more than just creating a new kind of fabric; it is about rethinking the entire relationship between material, maker, and environment. By utilizing living plant systems, her research presents a model for developing materials that grow organically, adapt to their environment, and biodegrade after use. This points to a future where material choices align with ecological principles of regeneration and sustainability, offering a new paradigm for textile design.
Source: Anett Papp
Photos: Dániel Ludmann