Underlying the exhibition that opened in late October at the Design Museum in Ghent is a very specific idea: to raise awareness of all the possible applications of plastics. “Fibers Fixed. Composites in Design” this is the name of the exhibition that brings together sixty-three projects, from different sectors and intended for multiple fields of application. Some of the proposed solutions concern:
- mobility
- sporting goods
- medical applications
- energy supply systems
- architectural elements
- Household goods and everyday tools.
It will be possible to visit the exhibition until next April 21 and learn an amazing overview of what is possible by combining fibers with (bio)plastics. It is possible to form fiber-reinforced composite materials. In fact, the use of plastics and natural fibers is what binds all the projects together.
Getting inspired by ‘innovation
The curators were, among others: Ignaas Verpoest of KU Leuven University. One of the top 50 universities in the world, where innovation and research are considered essential qualities for all the faculty who teach there.
Lut Pil of the LUCA School of Arts, is also among the curators. His academy is a true institution. The only independent Brussels-based art academy that provides exclusively art-related higher education at the university level.
Through the work of these professionals, it was possible to bring together and focus the major innovations of the past 5 years related to the use of plastics and present the results. Further developments are expected in the near future.
Strength and lightness to meet market challenges
Design with composite materials operates in the context of current challenges:
- global warming
- ecological impact
- sustainability
- mobility
- aging population
- digitization
It is therefore not surprising that in addition to carbon, glass or other synthetic fibers, natural fibers such as linen, hemp, jute and silk are increasingly being used. The strength and stiffness of the fibers, in combination with the lightness of the plastic material, inspires designers to create lightweight and energy-efficient products. Features in high demand in the global market.
