Planting Threads: Can a Reconnection with Natural Materials and Traditional Craft Processes be a Catalyst for Design Innovation
Calder, Lynsey and McQuarrie, Erin (2025) Planting Threads: Can a Reconnection with Natural Materials and Traditional Craft Processes be a Catalyst for Design Innovation. In: Futurescan 6: Shifting Paradigms, 9-10 September 2025, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
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| Creators/Authors: | Calder, Lynsey and McQuarrie, Erin |
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| Abstract: | The School of Innovation and Technology (SIT) at The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) operates across campuses in Glasgow and Forres, in the North of Scotland. SIT is committed to exploring the relationship between humanity, technology and ecology, expressed through creative practice and bridging disciplinary boundaries. As the designers of tomorrow, our students are driven by a purpose to change the status quo and are empowered by staff to be change makers. Across both campuses, in partnership with technical staff and tutors, students explore the potential of their landscapes and bi-product streams to produce future materials, imbued with storytelling qualities and regenerative properties. Alongside utilising the benefits of technology, our students seek innovation through traditional processes and a hands-on connection to their landscapes, equipping them with a deeper connection to nature and it’s ecosystems. This shift in mindset towards a curriculum that nurtures planetary health is now more vital than ever. Working with and for the landscape is reciprocal and the positive effects it has for our community’s personal wellbeing are evident. From the creation of a new biomaterial library and makerspaces, our work at SIT seeks to make a difference through intentional and authentic design rooted in place. Through case studies we will explore; - Can adopting a hands-on connection to natural materials lead to design innovation projects rooted in place? - How do GSA’s environments impact the student experience? - What are the most sustainable approaches to growing and creating healthy materials on campus? - Current and future projects that exemplify our values at GSA SIT. |
| Output Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Materiality, Craft, Innovation, Wellbeing, Circularity, heritage values, technological change, interdisciplinary practice, responsible materiality, creative futures |
| Schools and Departments: | School of Innovation and Technology |
| Dates: | Date Date Type 11 April 2025 Accepted 9 September 2025 Completed |
| Status: | Unpublished |
| Related URLs: | |
| Event Title: | Futurescan 6: Shifting Paradigms |
| Event Location: | De Montfort University, Leicester, UK |
| Event Dates: | 9-10 September 2025 |
| Output ID: | 10745 |
| Deposited By: | Lynsey Calder |
| Deposited On: | 12 Mar 2026 14:58 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Mar 2026 15:05 |

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