Confronting the problem of studio space in textile practice in the university of benin a communal initiative

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>Background to the Study</strong></p><p>Cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibers of wool, flax, cotton, or other materials. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together (Balter, 2009).The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialized usage. Textile refers to any material made by interlacing fibers (Abamowicz, 1998). Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods (garments, etc.). Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose (e.g., table cloth). The word textile is from Latin, from neuter of textilis, woven, from textus, past participle of texere, to weave (Bethany, 2008). Textile material could be produced in textile industries, textile mills and textile studios.</p><p>The textile industry is the industry which involves sections like research, design, development, manufacturing and distribution of textile fabrics and clothing. It is a global phenomenon comprised of every business involved in the developing, producing manufacturing and distribution of textiles. Development in a textile industry includes: spinning, fabric manufacturing, wet processing, garments manufacturing.</p><p>As an art student one can be inspired by a good studio. Textile studio is an art studio where textile students perform their textile duties. The textile design studio encourages its students to grow professionally, artistically and intellectually. The studio offers a space for experimenting with design. Student also expand their experience by communication and cooperation with the textile industry.</p><h2>Statement of the Problem</h2><p>The problems facing the textile studio of University of Benin is the compacted nature of the studio. The studio contains two printing tables and classroom facilities which are too large for the studio size. Since adequate space is vital for an ideal studio, the pollution caused by mixtures of dyes and chemicals could be harmful to students health; therefore a spacious and well ventilated studio is necessary for a textile student. This problem of space has not only reduced the productivity and creativity of the student, but has hindered the possibility of equipping the studio with some import facilities found in the textile studio.</p><h2>Objectives of the Study</h2><p>This project is designed to alleviate the suffering of students due to lack of work space.. Since the studio is the center for textile production, this project will</p><p>help us understand the importance textile to mankind. This studio extension would help to reduce the risk of health caused by mixture of dyes and chemicals because it‟s well ventilated nature. The bathroom attached to the building serves as a place for wash up in case of any spillage.</p><h2>Significance of the Study</h2><p>This project aims at pointing out the need for a good and ideal studio, especially in the textile section. Confronting the problem of studio space in textile practice, in University of Benin which the researcher is embarking on, will be a means of space provision, which will help eradicate the problem of hindrance to the students expressing themselves creatively. This project reveals how micro spaces of work are arranged to engage experimentation, making and knowing.</p><h2>Scope of the Study</h2><p>This study is limited to the practical construction of an ideal textile studio. Research is unlimited; it features different pages on Google search and within Benin City.</p><p>One of the major challenges faced during project was the economic recession of our country. The proposed amount budgeted for this project to be carried out with was gradually increasing due to the instability in the prices of the building materials. Because of lack of experience in building construction, there was much reliance on the site engineer and lots of research was also needed</p> <br><p></p>