SOILSKIN

Welcome to a future where the intricate bond between soil fertility and reproductive health takes center stage in our food systems. Drawing inspiration from origin narratives across diverse cultures, we discover a profound connection between human existence and the soil beneath our feet. However, our journey unfolds against the backdrop of a sobering reality: the degradation of our soil, our most essential resource, is accelerating at an alarming pace. In this envisioned future, symbiotic relationships between humans and soil become necessary, transcending mere physical touch to become a unifying force for the well-being of both humanity and the planet. Technological advancements serve as a catalyst for this transformation, fostering connections with nature, promoting regeneration, and fostering harmonious coexistence. The SOILSKIN project aims to create renewable garments integrated with biotechnological components. Inspired by post-earth roamers forced to endure aridity, the wool-cotton blend textile used for the body of our dress is temperature adaptable, sustainable to cultivate and acts as a carbon sink. The design features a 3D printed corset and medieval-style gorget with a degradé coloring, representing desiccation cracks due to global warming. Our hardware involves bio-sensing shoes activated by movement that, upon detection of infertile soil, will trigger the inflation of a silicone waistband in a maternal fashion. The monitoring of the soil and impact assessment is carried out by stake sensors placed at the bottom of a shoe. Using a flexible electronic biomaterial casing, sensors run from the bottom of a stocking up to a stomach piece with air-pockets that inflate. The shoes are programmed to set off the inflation mechanism based off of a numerical range within each parameter that it measures (pH, light level, soil temperature, humidity and air temperature). The laser cut shoes boast an open concept in order to maintain perpetual skin contact between the human traveler and the earth. In striving to create a reciprocal relationship of care between the wearer and the ground they walk on, the dress contains voronoi segmented perforations that can be torn off and buried under the soil, after the inflation signals a need. Upon the degradation of the natural material, nutrients and elements essential for soil health are gradually released. In our futuristic scenario, the hands-on ritual of ripping and immersing the fabric will not only stimulate ecological restoration, but revive humanity’s empathy for the planet’s thirst. This project was developed by: Barbara Rakovska, Sofia Mazzucchelli and Xaneva Elorriaga Final Project Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHf50PWd7Gc