PONTE DI LUNA

How can ‘biomimetics’ of architectural constructions be explored in creative footwear design for the luxury market?

CONTEXT

This MA footwear collection comprises six models of designer footwear as wearable limited-edition art objects for the luxury market. This functional collection explores how ‘biomimetics’ of architectural constructions can be applied in footwear design. Biomimetics as a phenomenon means ‘ the copy of natural life systems’. It allows to analyse the aesthetics of organic shapes and biological processes and to apply this information for resolving design’ problems.

One of the aims of this project was to find and create new constructive-decorative elements for shoe heels through exploring biological shapes and biomimetics in architectural constructions like bridges. Elements of bridge design can be incorporated in the development of footwear, particularly for joining uppers and heels in one unified construction. These constructive-decorative elements inform a functional aesthetics that balances commerciality and creativity. One part of this collection displays shoes as art objects, whilst another part of my collection can be developed and adapted for industry in the luxury market segment.

Using a combination of traditional craft manufacturing for uppers and contemporary digital technology for heel constructions in 3D-printing provides new approaches for manufacturing technologies, exploring sculptural possibilities for footwear as artistic objects.

*Photos by Nunu Gabuniya