Bylu Designs Minimal, High-tech Research Center

20.20.2021

bylu design has introduced the new materials experience center (MEC) for knitting machinery company santoni, located in shanghai, china. the new building, is a contemporary research and inspiration center for leading professionals of the textiles industry to meet clients, research ideas and work on bespoke projects. it is expected to emerge as a pivotal space for inspiration, ideation, implementation and knowledge sharing.

santoni requested a space that was flexible and easy to adapt to different uses and projects. to accomplish this goal, bylu design designed the MEC with an adjustable hanging light system and low-levelled cabinets that were easy to move around. the idea was that the client could effortlessly slot in different products, samples and demonstrations within the space, using the areas provided. the company also wanted the space to be open, luminous and high-tech. the architects used crisp white paint and a terrazzo floor which enhanced and reflected the light coming in from the windows. in addition, they added elements like metal mesh, stainless steel, led walls and touchscreens. in the areas where the interior needed to feel warm and welcoming, wooden floors and pastel colours were used. the result is a clean, sophisticated and airy space where one feels in harmony with all that is technological and futuristic.

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New Textiles for The New Normal: A Collaboration

08.8.2020

The need for new textiles in post COVID-19 era is explored in a collaboration between seamless knitting machinery manufacturer Santoni and design consultants Studio Eva

The need for new textiles in post COVID-19 era is explored in a fascinating new Water-repellent Seamless Textiles project, a collaboration between seamless knitting machinery manufacturer Santoni Shanghai and design consultants Studio Eva X Carola.

In the project, which explores the impact of home working on clothing needs post coronavirus, a series of new materials is developed for seamlesswear, that fulfil the functions – hybridity, visual amazement, safety and protection, and health and wellbeing. As the world starts to get back to work, from home or otherwise, Knitting Industry spoke to Shanghai based Eva de Laat and Carola Leegwater of Studio Eva X Carola about the project.

Working from home

“Millions of people are now working from home due to COVID-19. According to newspapers like The Guardian, this could lead to a permanent shift towards working from home for many employees once the pandemic is over. Employers are realising the many benefits of working from home, such as higher productivity and savings of over $11,000 per person,” Eva de Laat begins.

“Working from home allows employees to spend more time with their families, save money on commuting, live in cheaper rural areas and lower their carbon footprint. As a result of these insights, it’s estimated that 25-30 million US employees will start to work from home regularly over the next 2 years.”

The figures for the increase in home working post pandemic are staggering, especially in large populations like the USA. Living in the ‘new normal’ is already having a massive impact on the clothing we wear.

Eva de Laat continues: “This rapidly growing trend means there’s a demand for clothing to wear when working from home. For efficiency and comfort, the majority of home workers tend to wear the same clothes throughout the day. But the day is still divided into different activities. This means there’s a need for clothing that is multifunctional and fulfils different needs at once.”

Read the full story on our Knitting Industry Creative website

Santoni Opens New Materials Experience Center in Shanghai

06.6.2020

Santoni, in collaboration with the designers Eva x Carola, has officially opened its new Materials Experience Centre (MEC) in Shanghai…

Circular knitting machinery leader Santoni, in collaboration with the designers Eva x Carola, has officially opened its new Materials Experience Centre (MEC) at Santoni’s facility in Shanghai. The new space is a contemporary research and inspiration centre for leading professionals in the textiles industry to meet clients, research ideas and work on bespoke projects. It will be a pivotal space for inspiration, ideation, implementation and knowledge sharing.

Designing the future

The MEC is designed to meet the needs of a modern textile producer that consistently champions sustainability and futuristic design thinking when it comes to garments, the company said in a statement today.

Santoni’s CEO, Gianpietro Belotti, said: “Establishing this new network has allowed us to think differently and to be ready to penetrate new frontiers. This will enable us to achieve our mission of inspiring world knitters with cutting edge solutions.”

Read more on Knittingindustry.com