This course tracks the development of man-made 'techno' textiles for fashion, design, interior and environmental applications. Exploring fibres and fabrics from nylon in the 1950s to the present with Issey Miyake's recent APOC range, it looks specifically at the processes and techniques associated with synthetics for colouring, printing, resisting, blistering, bonding, shaping and adding textures. Recent developments to man-made fabrics and fibres have changed their character to replicate natural materials in relation to physical characteristics, drape, handle and feel. Nylon, polyester, polyamide, non wovens, microfibres, synthetic polymers, PVC and polypropylene have application for 3D forms, interior, exterior, art, design and sporting environments. Studio projects will cover various processes and techniques and may include sublistatic printing, transfer dye printing, heat transfer printing, thermoplastic shaping, latex printing, flocking and bonding.