MONTREAL/October 3, 2008—
Concordia University, a Canadian leader in interactive textile research, is proud to present the “Textiles Unlimited” colloquium, to take place on October 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as part of Expo Hightex, an event of the CTT Group. Many innovative paradigms involving research and design will be unveiled on this day (Marché Bonsecours, 350 Saint-Paul, Montréal).
The textile industry is being completely transformed. Once considered a synonym for a sector threatened by emerging countries, today’s textiles are finding a new and promising future. Barbara Layne, a Concordia researcher in innovative electronic textile arts, had long wanted to produce “creations that would enable individuals to interact with their environment.” An enthusiast who dreamt of designing “magic textiles,” she is today weaving microcomputers and problems with natural fibres in order to create receptive surfaces that react to outside stimuli. She recently created a textile computer keyboard that can be woven into a skirt or other piece of clothing. Another noted Concordia University researcher, Joanna Berzowska, will be leading a discussion of electronic, emerging and experimental textiles. She will be presenting the striking results of her recent projects in fashion, culture and telecommunications, particularly her electronic kinetic clothing which incorporates materials that have a memory for form and that move and are transformed at slow, organic rhythms. Both will be speakers on October 7 at the "Textiles Unlimited" colloquium.
To Concordia fibres professor Ingrid Bachmann, all these avenues clearly demonstrate that "these applications now transcend an artistic dimension, offering medical opportunities in the manufacture of intelligent textiles that are capable of remotely tracking patient status or even knitting arteries out of biomaterial.” Environmentally, “traditional weaving techniques used by artists have been integrated in the new technologies and materials, allowing the creation of innovative and robust materials, such as effective barriers to soil erosion or even the premature melting of glaciers.”
Thirteen guest speakers will discuss some of the most decisive and revolutionary initiatives involving fibres and textiles. Coming from Europe, Canada and the United States, these well-known experts will be speaking to a large audience including business executives, researchers, industry specialists, artists and students. Presented as part of Expo Hightex, the “Textiles Unlimited” colloquium offers a unique day of discussion and business-academic collaboration. It will end at 5:30 at the Marché Bonsecours with a special presentation of the innovative use of textiles over the years by the Cirque du Soleil.
Five partners, four themes
This colloquium is taking place as part of Expo Hightex and is a joint presentation of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Concordia University, Hexagram, the CTT Group, Techtera (Lyon) and ITECH (Lyon). Four themes will be discussed:
o Textiles and security/protection
o Textiles and sustainable development
o Textiles and health/sport
o Textiles in the arts and cultural industries
Strong visuals of Concordia’s electronic textile innovations will be available on Monday, October 6 at 4 p.m. (1515 Ste. Catherine St. West, Concordia University’s EV Building, 11th floor).
Reservations, interviews and special requests:
Caroline De GUIRE, Pikanté! Communications | C: 514-756-8430 | @: caroline.deguire@pikante.ca
Information / programme / press kit: http://ejc2008.concordia.ca/textilesunlimited/media
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Source :
Tanya Churchmuch
Senior Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
