NSCAD University has received a commitment of over $1 million from the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) for a research project to develop “smart” textiles that are responsive to sound, movement, sunlight and touch.
The textiles, interwoven with lights, sensors and actuators, will be developed for architectural applications such as curtains, free-standing walls, theatrical backdrops and hung ceilings for tensile roofs.
The project is a collaboration led by Professor Robin E. Muller, Chair of the Division of Craft, NSCAD University, and Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison of Dalhousie University's School of Architecture.
“We anticipate that the products that will emerge from this research will help invigorate current production facilities in Atlantic Canada,” says Professor Muller. “We will be combining traditional textile techniques such as weaving, printing and embroidery with materials such as photovoltaic cells, electroluminescent wire and memory shape alloys.”
The research funding is the first that NSCAD University has received from AIF. “This investment recognizes NSCAD's growing reputation for research excellence,” says Dr. Kenn Gardner Honeychurch, Senior VP Academic & Research.
“Our faculty and students are engaged in a variety of research projects that involve critical investigation in fine and media arts, as well as new product development within our design and craft divisions.” The announcement builds on previous research successes such as NSCAD's Canada Research Chair in Contemporary Film and Media Studies, awarded in 2004.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced AIF's investment in the NSCAD project and others at a news conference.
NSCAD University is a leading North American visual arts university for more than a century, NSCAD offers a comprehensive range of graduate and undergraduate degrees.
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