Material Dialogues: Workshop with Politecnico

We invite you to a three-day hands-on workshop at the TextileLab in Blönduós!

The workshop combines practical experimentation with discussion and reflection. We will focus on open-ended, material-led approaches to design and research. This edition emphasises local natural resources, such as algae and materials collected along the coast, on island Hrútey, and river Blanda.

Researchers from Materials Design for Transition group, at polimi: Politecnico Milano, Italy's largest scientific-technological university, will lead a foraging session and hands-on activities. Participants will experiment with DIY bioplastics, yarns, papers, and biocomposites, learning how materials’ properties, limits, and transformations can inform creative processes. The workshop will include collective experimentation, documentation, and discussion using logbooks, images, and mood boards and conclude with a small exhibition. Participants are welcome to bring harvested ingredients, such as dried algae, bark, lichens, leaves, or plants!

This workshop is ideal for those interested in: 

• Biomaterials and craft-based experimentation
  Ecological thinking and sustainable practices

• Interdisciplinary research and making
  Textiles and material-led approaches

Note: If weather prevents on-site foraging, pre-collected materials will be used, and the program will be adjusted accordingly.

Day 1 – Exploration and Context

We will meet at the Textile Lab, Þverbraut 1, Blönduós.

• 10:00–10:45 – Introductions & Presentations
  10:45–11:00 – Coffee Break
  11:00–13:00 – Workshop Overview: Goals, Materials Design approach, DIY Materials introduction, foraging session briefing
  13:00–14:00 – Lunch
  14:00–16:45 – Foraging Session: Collect leaves, bark, lichens, algae; local biologist/ecologist may provide context
  16:45–17:00 – Coffee Break
  17:00–18:00 – Documentation & Drying: Prepare collected materials for experimentation

Day 2 – Experimentation and Documentation

• 10:00–10:45 – Presentation: Documentation methods, DIY Materials recipes, experimentation guidelines
  10:45–11:00 – Coffee Break
  11:00–13:00 – Hands-on Experimentation: Create and document material samples
  13:00–14:00 – Lunch
  14:00–15:45 – Continued Experimentation: Explore techniques, develop samples and demonstrators
  15:45–16:00 – Coffee Break
  16:00–17:00 – Discussion & Reflection: Share discoveries and connect with participants’ craft practices

Day 3 – Reflection and Presentation

• 10:00–11:00 – Presentation: Storytelling and communicating material research
  10:45–11:00 – Coffee Break
  11:00–13:00 – Finalization: Refine samples and artifacts, prepare for exhibition
  13:00–14:00 – Lunch
  14:00–16:00 – Group Discussion & Reflection: Present work, share insights, discuss future directions

This workshop will be held in English and led by the researchers, Dr. Elena Albergati and Dr. Sofia Soledad Duarte Poblete.

Workshop fee: 5000 ISK. Please note that accommodation and lunch are not included in the workshop fee. Coffee and snacks will be available throughout the day. If you would like assistance with arranging accommodation, please feel free to contact us by email.

You can register for the workshop here: https://www.textilmidstod.is/en/education/webshop/index/courses/material-dialogues

Contact:
TextileLab Team – Chiara Alissa Estivariz Lopez & Sarah Finkle
textillab@textilmidstod.is