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The Consumer Perspective on Consumption and Discarding Apparel04/05/2018The apparel life cycle is going into overdrive as production times have sped up monumentally, with clothes being bought and in turn thrown away constantly, all while harming the environment and causing waste. The task at hand is to analyze consumers current awareness of this cycle and where they fit into the big picture. Furthermore, the goal is to research how all fashion consumers’ buying and discarding habits and how they may affect this life cycle and the environmental impact it may have, especially with common materials such as cotton. Many consumers may not be aware of this cycle and how they are affecting it, and the goal is to fully understand their awareness levels and knowledge. Additionally, the goal is to see what consumers think they know, and what common knowledge is readily available by research and observation. The expected outcomes are a full understanding of current apparel life cycle affects with a focus on cotton, and how much consumers know in regards to their own environmental impact when they consume and discard goods. By researching patterns of increasing shopping habits and discard habits, we can understand how consumers participate in this cycle. Observation of resale and secondhand stores and their popularity would show if consumers are aware of their impact as they buy used goods instead of brand new. Conversation and overall research of customer’s opinions and thoughts on the subject will provide insight on how the subject is seen and discussed. |
The Connection Between German Extenzminimum and Spanish Vivienda Minima04/05/2018Extenzminimum, defined as the minimum habitable dwelling, is a concept developed in Germany following World War I. In principle, it is a means of generating housing solutions that used an economy of space and materials and could respond to the housing crisis facing Europe. Such a housing crisis arose as vivienda minima in Spain during and after the Spanish Civil War. This topic investigates how the idea of extenzminimum is shared with Spain and how that idea influenced the concept of vivienda minima even when geographical and political barriers existed between the two nations. This project will study architectural works and concepts in Germany and Spain during the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Specifically, the works of Ernst May (Neue Frankfurt), Alexander Klein (Residential Building and Apartments for Single Workers), Walter Gropius (Hansaviertel, Grosssiedlung, and Siemensstadt), Miguel Fisac (Chain houses), and GATEPAC. These works are important because each architect was influenced by or wrote about minimal habitable dwellings. The resultant architecture will demonstrate how those ideas were interpreted and if the German response to minimal habitable dwellings is related to the Spanish response. This paper will consult primary and secondary sources such as writings of May, Klein, and Gropius in Germany during the extenziminimum movement. In addition, the writings of Fisac and GATEPAC will further the understanding of Spain’s interpretation of vivienda minima and determine if those ideas are related to Germany. |
The Commercialization of UAS/Drones in the Delivery Sector/Services04/05/2018Over the past few years, Unmanned Aircrafts Systems (UAS) commonly known as drones have gained a lot of popularity. This popularity did not just bloom within the Aviation Industry but in the delivery/business sector as well. This research will cover the commercialization of drones within the delivery sector and how this new venture will affect persons living in the United States (U.S) with companies such as Amazon, United Parcel Service (UPS) and the famous pizza chain Dominos just to name a few, gearing up to add UAS/drones as part of their delivery services fleet. This research will focus on the city of Kent, Ohio which consists of a large population of college students, college faculty, and staff. This research was conducted by the distribution of questionnaires electronically through use of via email to persons who stay in the city limits of Kent, Ohio. The demographics of these residents were comprised of college students, college faculty and staff and residents. Two (2) different set of questionnaires were distributed, one that focused on the persons who worked within the aviation field and another that focus on a person who did not. Results showed that most persons agree that the process of delivering packages via drones would be faster, however, their privacy, security, and safety would be put at risk in the process. |
The Butterfly Effect: Exploring the Behavior of Change through Transformable Clothing04/05/2018The Butterfly Effect is a transformable eveningwear collection inspired by the behavior of change. The eveningwear market faces the challenge of a short garment life cycle, and most gowns are only worn once. Transformable clothing allows one garment to be changed to create two or more different looks, which encourages it to be worn multiple times. By using modular transformations, individual parts that move independently, the wearer can customize the garment to fit her needs and strengthen her personal connection with the clothing. The collection development began with research on the inspiration and concept of transformation. A study was conducted through personal interviews that asked participants about their shopping habits, sustainability, transformable clothing, and the eveningwear market. Based on the findings, initial sketches and samples of construction techniques were created and proposed to a review panel. First muslins--rough full-scale garments--were constructed and presented, then second muslins--fully finished garments--were constructed to reflect suggested changes. After an evaluation with external critics, final fabrics were purchased and final garments were constructed. The final collection consists of seven looks, and each has one garment that can be transformed. The final fabrics include a combination of eveningwear fabrics and knits, all in monochromatic shades of purple. Through the research and development of the collection, seven eveningwear looks were created that reflect the behavior of change. They transform into new looks that provide versatility for the wearer and extend the garment life cycle. |
The Barcelona Beourgeoisie: Personal relationships between bourgeoisie members and architects influence Spanish modern style04/05/2018Relationships between important families who were part of the bourgeoisie in Barcelona during the late 19th century played a significant role in the establishment of modern architectural styles and practices. Complex interrelationships existed during this time between significant figures of various disciplines and influential families. Architects who were at the forefront of modern architecture in Barcelona at this time include Martorell, Gaudi, and Montaner, each of whom had ties to Antonio Lopez’ project for his grand mansion and pantheon. Eusebi Guell is related to the Lopez family through marriage, and the architects maintain close ties and work relationships with them. The architectural works which were designed and built for these families were no doubt influenced by these complex interrelationships, especially since politics and social influence were directly correlated with the bourgeoisie lifestyle. This paper explores the connections which existed between the Spanish bourgeoisie in an attempt to prove that the personal influences of close contact and interaction between client and architect affected designs in a manner which helped shape the Spanish modern style which would emerge in Barcelona in the 20th century. Various academic journals and books have been written about Gaudi’s career, which include communications between Guell. Primary resources written by historians exist on the topics of the bourgeoisie in Barcelona. This paper will consult direct accounts of the important figures discussed as well as research which studies their relationships and the architecture which pertains to them. Specific sources include articles published in academic journals, interviews, and bibliographical accounts. |
Sustainable Sourcing in the Mass Market and Consumer Behavior04/05/2018ABSTRACT Marinkov, Madalynn F., Kent State University. Moon, Da Hye, Kent State University. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing in the Fashion Industry: A Case Study. Major Professor: Jewon Lyu. Multiple responsible sourcing methods such as the use of organic cotton or sustainable fibers have been adopted by major retail companies such as Walmart, Target, and Gap Inc. These sourcing methods focus particularly on cotton, the way it is produced, and the traceability in all stages of the retail supply chain. Sustainability in the fashion industry is inevitable due to common knowledge of how harmful all elements of the industry are to the environment and people. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these responsible sourcing methods in terms of purchasing behavior and the effect that green initiatives have on mass-market consumers in the industry today. A case study with an in-depth interview method will be used to assess consumers who often shop at major retail companies such as Target, Walmart, and Kohl's, roughly a few times a month. This interview will educate consumers on sustainable sourcing methods and the steps they themselves can take to help the industry go green. The results of this study are expected to be positive in terms of consumer awareness and desire to choose companies to support that align with sustainable beliefs. This study aims to urge consumers to consider purchasing products from companies that source materials sustainably and are worth the cost. The expected results should be upstanding as far as other studies have shown that consumers are willing to spend more to receive quality clothing that is created in the most harmless way possible. |
Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: Public Environmental Concerns and Consumer Perception of Organic Production in the Cotton Industry.04/05/2018A May 2017 study conducted by Mintel’s British Lifestyles concluded that 67% of UK adults are “concerned about the future of the environment” (Dover, 2017). Top environmental concerns consist of water contamination and “proliferation of public waste” by in large (Staff, 2011). One of the most widely used chemicals in cotton production is aldicarb. Aldicarb is a highly toxic insecticide that is applied directly to the soil (Cornell University, 1993). The production of organic cotton would greatly reduce the risk of contaminating ground water and would provide a healthier work environment. Unfortunately, challenges are present when it comes to organic cotton production. Organic cotton is more expensive to produce than traditionally grown cotton. This is due to its increased vulnerability to destructive natural elements and increased risk of loss of crop. The ultimate market challenge currently is producing organic cotton at a competitive price on the same level as recycled polyester and plastic. Water bottles and other plastic objects are presently abundant materials occupying space alongside other waste. Recycling polyester and plastic is comparatively a cheaper process because it is obtained second-hand at close to nothing, conserves natural resources and energy, and lowers emissions (Staff, 2014). Therefore, the primary purpose of research is to provide an in-depth analysis on consumers’ concerns with sustainability and organic production in the cotton industry. To address this purpose, the paper will also examine the scholarly literature on this topic and research conducted by environmental organizations around the world. |
Sustainability in KSU Dorms04/05/2018Sustainability is the endeavor to create an ever increasing economically and environmentally efficient system of operation for a given entity. In the Kent State University residence halls, this currently is exemplified by controlled water pressure, and electricity as well as alternative sources of energy, window sensors to control air conditioning, and lighting such as replacing all fluorescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. Our team was interested in investigating ways to increase the sustainability of the university. We hypothesized that we could improve the sustainability of the university’s energy resources through new solutions to lighting in the residence halls. In order to determine how to achieve this goal, we interviewed specialists in the following departments: Residence Services, Campus Security, Office of University Architect, and Sustainability. After our interviews we concluded that the university level of sustainability in the residence halls is high. We determined that the next step was to find a more effective lighting solution in community areas. Our team met with an electrical engineer on campus, and we determined that automated LED light fixtures in the hallways and bathrooms would obtain a high level of sustainability. Residence Services is willing to perform test runs to finalize our project. The LED lights will be placed in the hallways, lounges, and bathrooms in the residence halls, even though the fixtures are costly at first, LED lights are more efficient and will last longer especially since they will be motion sensored and will not be on at all times. |
Sustainability in Fashion Design04/05/2018Inspired by the nostalgia of growing up in the desert combined with 80s silhouettes emerges the colorful fashion design collection entitled “Dusk.” “Dusk” brings traditional southwestern-wear to the contemporary fashion market while focusing on leather techniques/surface design. There is a moral dilemma in using leather as a textile; while it is beautiful and functional, is it wrong to use animal skin on something as frivolous as clothing? In attempts to explore this predicament and move towards ethical fashion design, “Dusk” uses a technique called up-cycling, which is the process of taking unwanted clothing from thrift stores and tearing them apart to make an entirely new garment, and large scraps of leather that were left unused due to damage or size. Using this method, I have created five aesthetically pleasing, yet sustainable garments. After making these garments, I have concluded that sustainable practices are possible when it comes to leather in fashion design, but there is a time cost. These garments took hundreds of hours of meticulous planning, hand painting to achieve uniformity, designing, and constructing. At the rate that the fashion industry moves, it would be hard to implement these practices on a large scale, but not impossible. |
Survival of the Sustainable04/05/2018Consumers today have encouraged growth of the fast fashion market. Due to the nature of the industry, this encourages material waste. Fostering the use of natural fibers such as cotton offers the potential for more clothing reuse and recycling. (Ward, Hewitt, & Russell, 2013) According to the Council for Textile Recycling (2018), only 15% of U.S. worn textiles and clothing are donated or recycled; the remaining 85% is discarded in landfills. Our long-term goal is to educate today’s consumers so to help them understand the effects of fast fashion and textile waste on a global scale. In this research, we will pursue two specific objectives: Examine U.S. consumers’ disposal habits, as well as their awareness and perceptions of the impact they have on the growing volume of clothing ending up in landfills. Investigate the competitiveness of cotton in the reuse/recycle post-consumer clothing market. It is important that all parties gather to help make a difference in the disposal of clothes. Consumers can help accomplish this goal by shopping with brands that may be slightly higher priced, but overall better quality instead of replacing fast fashion products. Retailers might help persuade their customers by informing them of financial and environmental benefits their campaign is offering. Long term benefits in preventing clothing waste would be less CO2 in the air from long term decomposition of clothing in landfills as well as higher quality clothing designed to last rather than the lesser quality clothing that stems from the fast fashion market. |