Entwined Matters
Entwined Matters is a project created by London-based architectural design studio PAN- PROJECTS to transform textile off-cuts from a clothing factory into unique ropes.
Although these by-products of the fashion industry are high in quality and design, they are typically discarded as industrial waste. While some efforts exist to repurpose them, these often involve shredding the fabric with specialised machinery, a process that can strip away much of their original value. The project arose from a desire to recognise the inherent qualities of these off-cuts and explore how they could be directly transformed into new materials or products.
Off-cuts are usually produced by cutting large rolls of fabric into various shapes, leaving behind irregular pieces that are often still connected. By twisting and intertwining these fragments, the project transforms them into strong, distinctive ropes. What were once fragile and overlooked by-products have been reimagined as cohesive forms with unique textures and appearances.
Historically, ropes have played a significant role in human life, from practical tools to elements in religious rituals. Entwined Matters transforms these discarded fabrics into a material with its own distinct aesthetic and potential for further use. The future applications and forms this material may take are left to the creativity of those who work with it.
EXHIBITION “KNOW THE ROPES”
The works of Entwined Matters are exhibited in the former district office of Valga, Estonia, which has been abandoned for years since it caught fire in the early 2000s. The exhibition, “Know the Ropes”, showcases experimental works of Entwined Matters in each space, where the ropes correspond to the existing building, creating unique architectural dialogues between the ruin and the art of by-products.
The exhibition is created within the VARES architecture residency programme, which is part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme. The textile off-cuts used for the show were donated by the local clothing factory in Valga, which produces garments for the Norwegian brand Aclima.
ART OF ROPES
Transforming materials into rope is synonymous with embodying force within them. Rope is the result of weak substances being entwined with strength and resilience, which in turn generates the material’s inherent strength. These ropes suggest an alternative perception of the materials we often ignore, unveiling unseen values by recognising the unique characteristics of each material as works of art in their own right.
Entwined Matters are not yet shaped, but are considered raw materials. The creation of shapes and functions will follow, as humanity has been inspired by ropes throughout history. Ropes have been used to create rugs, sofas, shoes, bags, scarves, decorations, chairs, joints, rituals, and more. Across the world, one finds limitless uses of rope in both traditional and contemporary contexts.
These ropes are conceived not only as products, but also as a new material.
ROPE AS A MATERIAL
Ropes are among the earliest materials conceived by humanity, predating the wheel, the axe, and even fire. One theory proposes that the origins of architecture are closely linked to the invention of ropes. In their most primitive form, ropes enabled the firm binding of objects, significantly broadening the possibilities for constructing and combining materials.
The creation of ropes likely began with the twisting and braiding of grass. Through human ingenuity, these small and fragile elements were gathered, twisted, and transformed into a resilient material. Ropes have long inspired humankind, playing essential roles not only as everyday tools, but also as symbols in religious and spiritual contexts.
ACCESSIBLE TECHNIQUES
A critical consideration when repurposing by-products as materials is the use of simple and ordinary techniques in the materialisation process. Since by-products are highly accessible materials, devising versatile production methods that do not rely excessively on specialised techniques is essential to democratising them.
The twisting technique used to create ropes is remarkably simple and adaptable. It can be performed manually without specialised tools, or with a simple and affordable DIY tool that helps make the ropes faster. This allows off-cuts of varying shapes to be transformed into functional ropes without the need for cutting or sewing. As the technique is highly accessible, the method has the potential to help address waste issues in the fashion industry and contribute to more sustainable practices.
CREDITS
Organiser: VARES
Project Partner: Tartu 2024, European Capital of Culture
Collaborator (Material provider): Aclima
