Design and research on Northern wool as a source of well-being
14.3.2012
Woollen Innovations project at the Faculty of Art and Design studies the characteristics of the Northern sheep’s wool and woollen felt material. A special attention is paid to the question how woollen and felt products could be used for fostering health and well-being.
The project
aims to produce research information that helps to enhance the healing
effects of wool and woollen materials, as well as to find new
applications for woollen and felt materials.
The research focuses
on wool’s characteristics that improve health and well-being. For
instance, it will be studied if the healing effects of wool could be
strengthened by using wool materials together with natural extracts. In
addition, wool’s serviceability, usability and capacity to isolate
dampness and coldness will be researched.
The project studies
also the ecological dyeing and patterning of felt by using local natural
dyes and herbal extracts. Dyeing and patterning of felted material is
of importance when considering the suitability of northern wool material
for interior design purposes.
The Woollen Innovations (WINNO)
project continues the work of Healing Wool project carried out at the
Faculty of Art and Design. The project is funded by Tekes (the Finnish
Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation) and European Regional
Development Fund.
More information:
Professor Kristiina Hänninen, tel. +358 40 772 6588, kristiina.hanninen (at) ulapland.fi
Project manager Heli Tuovinen, tel. +358 40 484 4071, heli.tuovinen (at) ulapland.fi