Provost IMPACT Award Supports UK College of Design’s Material Experimentation

Substantial Funding for Groundbreaking Projects

In Lexington, Kentucky, the Institutional Multidisciplinary Paradigm to Accelerate Collaboration and Transformation (IMPACT) Awards were inaugurated in 2023, endorsing transformational initiatives by the University of Kentucky faculty and Campus community. The preliminary IMPACT Awards totaled over $600,000, prioritizing projects that promote innovative, transdisciplinary approaches in line with the UK Strategic Plan known as UK-PURPOSE.

IMPACT Award 2023 Highlight

This Spring, we focus on the IMPACT Award 2023 projects and the striving faculty behind them. One such project is termed “Expanding Softgoods Specializations and Material Research in the College of Design”, led by Ned Crankshaw and Lindsey Fay of the College of Design. The project’s intent is geared towards faculty startup support and obtaining advanced softgoods lab equipment to inspire and empower a new generation of students, designers, and material possibilities through pioneering implementation of materials.

A Vision for Softgoods Lab

The ground-breaking vision for a Softgoods Lab encourages material exploration, innovation, rapid prototyping, and customization, equipped with specialized equipment for digital knitting, cutting, sewing, and printing. Critical to research and project-based learning, this setup mirrors the importance of equipment in scientific labs.

Deep-dive into the Project

In an enlightening discussion with the research team, the impact and aspirations of this project have been further detailed.

Innovation through the IMPACT Award

The award has propelled innovation by enabling critical exploration of design and soft making tools, previously a hurdle. The acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment – 80” flat digital knitting machine, tufting and sewing equipment, assembly tools, and various textiles – has been a remarkable achievement. The resultant SoftLab incubates material testing, rapid prototyping, customization, and creative applications of materials.

Genesis of the Research Focus Area

The team aspired to break traditional barriers of textile and craft-based experimentation, which were deemed as exclusive feminine domains. By incorporating the SoftLab along with wood, metal, and digital equipment in the college, an inclusive and safe environment was set for textile fabrication research. The alignment of the research with the university’s focus on Material Science was a strategic move.

Impact on Kentucky and Beyond

The SoftLab has set a benchmark for designers and design educators. Expanding knowledge and engagement with new fabrication methods offers broadened expertise. The integration of digital machine knitting has been especially pioneering, integrating traditional textile production methods with cutting-edge materials for applications in health care, aerospace engineering, and interior design. The team aims to create a bridge between existing disciplines using applied research, efficient manufacturing, and design tactics.

Future Steps for the Project

Progressing beyond receiving the IMPACT award, various partnership proposals and course offerings have been developed. Through continuous training and exposure, faculty – being at the forefront of advocating the advancement of textile research – can move us towards a diverse and future-ready workforce.

Final Thoughts

The University of Kentucky, the state’s flagship and land-grant institution, is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and innovative community as they continue to serve Kentucky and its surroundings. While change is constant, the university is geared to be a catalyst for breakthroughs and healing, striving toward fulfilling their mission, which is to transform lives through education, research, creativity, and care.