Floppy Lab is a research lab between RMIT Architecture and RMIT Fashion and Textile design co-led by Dr Leanne Zilka and Dr Jenny Underwood. It researches techniques and technologies in the fashion and textile world and adapts them for use in the built environment. Using this research to create novel approaches to the fabrication of complex form, non-structural or Floppy materials, advanced fibre-based technologies, habitat development through textiles, and bio-textile applications, to solve problems in the built environment that include urban shade solutions, retrofitting of obsolete buildings, encouragement of organic materials to support habitats, textile waste as applied to buildings. The challenge our buildings and spaces face requires the harnessing of knowledge across disciplines  to enrich the tools available to meet these challenges.   

We specialize in design, fabrication and complex compliance understanding related to light weight solutions to our built environment. We develop digital solutions to assist in the fabrication of complex forms, assist to realise innovative and experimental projects for public use, apply design knowledge to harness and deploy new materials, work collaboratively with different disciplines to create architectural solutions to complex spatial problems facing out cities and design spaces that use novel techniques, materials and systems. Our partners include Tensys, AllZone Architects, AECOM, OASIS Tension Structures, NGV, MPavilion, Gardner Group.

Contact: leanne.zilka@rmit.edu.au 
find us on instagram: @floppy_lab