Aleksandra Gaca created a new version of her BLOKO fabric: a sound-absorbent textile with a woven 3D structure, from a larger collection of Architextiles. The design aims to make the cabin of Renault’s autonomous, electric SYMBIOZ concept car as comfortable as any modern home interior. In the TextielLAB (Textielmuseum, Tilburg), Gaca – a pioneer in 3D woven textiles and an expert in their production and use – developed a textile translation of the vision of the French car manufacturer. Blending high-quality, organic cotton yarns with wool and polyester yarns, the fabric combines strength and softness. Thanks to these qualities, this new Bloko design is suitable for both the SYMBIOZ concept car and the Renault home, uniting the two spaces in an ecosystem.
Committee
The jury admires the innovative fabric designs of Aleksandra Gaca, produced in collaboration with the Textile Museum. The fabric is suitable for the interiors of the car of the future, such as the SYMBIOZ concept car, conceived as a mobile personal space, as well as more traditional applications. In the automotive world, these types of collaborations sometimes get no further than the concept phase. The jury hopes that this collaboration represents a step forward. After all, the various developments that are gradually bringing the car closer to being an extension of the home or office present an intriguing design challenge.
Dutch Design Award Winner 2018 – Product