Hi, I am Sara! I am exploring the application of 3D printing, digital fabrication, sustainable materials & AI in fashion and product development to unlock innovative solutions.
Creative Technologist & Fashion Tech Developer based in The Netherlands.
Symbiotic Shoes
Fabricademy Final Project 2020
TextileLab Amsterdam, Waag Technology & Society | The Netherlands
"Less than 5% of shoes in the world are recycled. What if we could change it?"
Sara Alvarez graduated Fabricademy 2020-21 at TextileLab Amsterdam, Waag with her project Symbiotic Shoes: made-to-measure shoes with a classic look, completely 3D printed with flexible filament, fully recyclable and open source, in order to be made and further improved by the maker community."
Shoemaking and Digital Fabrication processes such as 3D printing are combined together to shape custom shoes that can be locally produced and recycled into new TPE printing filament.
'Indeed, shoes are difficult to recycle and depending on the materials in them, it might not be even possible. But if you shred the plastic, the material can be reused. The idea of Symbiotic Shoes is that you can hand them in, so I can create new shoes out of the material.'
Making of Video
Techniques/processes used
Check her documentation here
Symbiotic Shoes
Symbiotic Shoes
Symbiotic Shoes
Symbiotic Shoes
Symbiotic Shoes
Symbiotic Shoes
Photo Credits: Sara Alvarez.
Awards
- Symbiotic Shoes Project was a finalist in the Digital Made 2021 contest promoted by Fondazione Mondo Digitale as well as in the Distributed Design Awards 2021 Competition.
- The project was also showcased in Recreus’ blog, Madrid’s TV, and Pakistan Footwear Magazine and exhibited in Madrid at La Casa Encendida.