neophyte carpet
materials from invasive neophytes
Neophytes are plants that are atypical for the region, usually imported by humans. Around one tenth of neophytes are invasive. As they are characterised by rapid spread and high resilience, invasive neophytes may represent a relevant resource in the future with regard to climate change. However, regular mowing and harvesting can limit their growth and at the same time yield the raw material. The neophyte carpet is an example of how the material obtained can be used in products: A yarn was made from the fibres of the Armenian blackberry and woven into a carpet.
student: | Maëlle Ludwig |
project: | The Plant Project – Resilience Part II |
year: | 2024 |
Neophytes could represent a potential source of raw materials, energy and food for us in the future. We no longer notice many species because they have become an integral part of our own culture. Their listing begins in 1492, the year Christopher Columbus discovered America. Invasive plants are neophytes that pose a threat to our native landscape. They usually lack natural competitors, allowing them to grow unhindered. The Armenian blackberry (rubus armeniacus) is a plant that is currently spreading rapidly in Germany. In Switzerland, it is already on the “black list” of invasive species. It came to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century due to its popular sweet berries. It was also cultivated as a garden plant, which led to its spread into the surrounding countryside. It is capable of forming immense bushes and thus burying native plants under it. Its rhizome formation makes it very difficult to remove permanently. This semester I have been investigating the fiber extraction from the rods of Rubus Armeniacus. I dealt with fiber and yarn production in general and tried to transfer techniques to the Armenian blackberry in experiments. Individual process steps included harvesting, dehulling, carding, roasting, drying and bleaching. In the course of the project, the value of yarn became clear due to the effort required to obtain the fibers, as well as the significance of the industrial revolution in this context, which was accompanied by decisive changes. When native plants disappear, neophytes can take their place. Being open to neophytes and accepting the change in fauna is one way of dealing positively with the phenomenon. Therefor neophytes can be positively integrated into the native environment over a longer period of time. Controlled containment methods can create a healthy relationship with native plants in the long term.
This requires mold construction and a fabrication in several steps. For the stool, reed stalks are cut, the offcuts shredded, and pressed together with casein glue to form the seat. The created stool is due to the natural binder water-resistant and can be charred as a whole. For the table, the biochar is ground into a fine dust, blended with casein glue to a homogeneous mass, and compacted layer by layer in a press mold, similar to the rammed earth technique. After several days of drying, a water- and abrasion-resistant surface is created. The objects are intended as seasonal furniture for gastronomy, hotels, markets, and events. Through the objects, the regional change in agriculture is reflected in the urban landscape and a new approach to plant-based materials is encouraged. The production of the furniture requires a network of actors who process paludi-materials, as well as a charring facility. This structure should also be used for processing paludi-materials as building materials and their subsequent use. Furthermore, nutrient-rich soil can be produced with biochar, thus replacing peat, which is extracted from peatlands. beyond the use is a material study, a regional system proposal, and a suggestion for a responsible approach to plant-based materials.
