Hairvolution: Regeneration of Chatham through Human-Hair
Human hair contains keratin, the same protein fibre found in animal wool making it possible to be integrated into textile production. Ultimately, hair-textile could replace the harmful synthetic fibres in today’s industry and tackle the waste issue.
Chatham is characterised as a low-wage economy making it a less desirable location for employers to seek skilled workers, resulting in a low employment rate. In response, my proposal aims to increase connectivity by creating a pathway from institution to industry through a graduate hub. It offers affordable studio space for Medway School of Art and UCA graduates, and opportunities to work with the new hair-material produced in the same building.
Working with hair has allowed me to explore its social aspect, seeing it as a generator of a sense of community and vitality. I designed a hair salon that acts as a community hub bringing people of different cultures in Chatham together.
This project also strives to deconstruct the unhygienic connotation associated with hair through an educational production experience and create fascination in the public about the potential of this new innovative material that can be found on the top of their heads!
Utilising hair waste from local hairdressers as a bio-material to activate a sustainable circular process, create employment and enhance community life in Chatham, Medway.