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Future Fabric - Fashion Catwalk Theatre, Manchester

Part 1 Project 2008
Molly Price
 University of Sheffield | UK
The symbiosis between fashion design and architectural expression is seen most recently on 2008 autumn/winter catwalks.

Future Fabric takes the methodologies of both architecture and fashion design in parallel to a conclusion of a building with its own specific programme, fitted to its urban context. It combines the scales of the body and city.

The drawings use the graphical language of dress patterns and the building is transformed into a structural garment fitting the body.

At every level, the Fashion Catwalk Theatre encourages the individual to interact with the building and the spectacle on show within.



Early studies developed from 1:1 spatial interactions with explorations of the body and fabric within space. Techniques used in the ‘production’ of garments were combined with conventional architectural ‘production’. The outcome has many readings and offers a positive and interactive architecture. She has created a fantastic body of work, which is materially rich and sophisticated at all levels. In particular her proposal for an interactive facade, which is literally zipped together by the users is highly original. The culmination is an intelligent piece of architecture combining physical and intellectual presence. Overall the she received a well deserved First Class degree.
2008
Manchester Northern Quarter site immersed within a context of creative agencies, art galleries, fashion designers and quirky retailers.
Curved surface lines project connections between the site, creative centres and commercial zones.
1:1 spatial analysis of the dressed body based on the silhouette in fashion design
Composite drawing combines 3D connections map and body silhouette analysis
Techniques used in the construction of clothing are used to express the architectural themes of garment, void and structure
Spatial interaction of the dressed body with 1:1 installation photographed and analysed with lighting, movement and choreography of a catwalk show.
The building programme is exploded into individual pattern pieces.
Each connection, seam or building threshold is considered in detail.
The building plan developed as an arrangement of physical and visual connections, seams, thresholds and spatial interaction.
The building responds to its own larger structure, generated in response to a specific building programme and urban context.
The building garment is designed as a skin of translucent planes set beyond an interior body or structure.
Spatial interaction of the dressed body with the building is expressed in the performance on stage as garments are presented to the audience.
The architectural drawings are presented as garment construction details and pattern pieces.
A cutting guide is presented to provide instruction for the placing and cutting out of each pattern piece from fabric.
The final garment is constructed to express the themes of the project.
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