SeriHub – Transformation in Texture by Muthesius Kunsthochschule

"SeriHub" is an interactive website prototype that allows users to explore silk production through choice and discovery. The project presents the audience with a choice: produce silk or let the silkmoths live. It provides an overview of the silk production process, its history, sustainability issues and its place in the textile industry.

As polyester became more popular due to its affordability and versatility, silk production declined. However, the dominance of polyester raises questions about overproduction, environmental impact and ethical concerns in the textile industry. "SeriHub" highlights these issues and provides insights into both materials.

The design of the site is inspired by the qualities of silk. A key feature is the information carpet, an interactive visualisation that compares the production volumes of silk and polyester. By combining data and narrative, SeriHub encourages users to think about their textile choices and sustainability.

It was difficult to find a comprehensive dataset with quantitative data on silk and polyester production. To present a broader time frame, spanning several decades, I collected data from multiple sources. I also included qualitative data to illustrate the life cycle of a silkworm – the stages of its development, the time it takes to spin silk, and its relatively short life as a silkmoth.