+MA

by Alessia Signorino

 

This is an independent study project where I am exploring the notions of play and function within Birds of Paradise’ shapeshifting qualities via biomimicry.

 

The user will prolongate their human body by wearing a responsive second skin layer. The suit is made of abstracted feather follicles around the pectoral tract and the back in a way that lets the user portray their mood and project their intentions to the exterior gaze via different feather behavioural patterns. The feather suit will become a reactive bridge between the external audience and the user.

 

The feather vest will have two different states of interaction. The heartbeat sensors will activate the wearable technology by fluffing its feathers and changing colour to signal that they have acknowledged the person if front of them. In active mode, the feather component will ripple like waves around the wearer’s body. If the person wearing the vest wishes to go into passive move, they will have to calm their heartbeat.  The title of interactive vest comes from the word “Piuma”, feather in Italian, in which “più” (plus) has been shortened by its symbol.