"SYMT" stands for the geometry term "symmetry."

"SYMT" is a sustainability thinking developed as backbone for the project. Rethinking the starting point of typical shoe making process paves way for the design direction of FTW_SYMT. By adopting symmetrical die cut pattern upon each component on both feet, the total amount of steel-made molds drop to half; fusing paper origami technique into the mono-material fabric increases the structural strength.

The experimental process proposes feasible option in balancing energy cost, craftsmanship and functionality.

The project aims projecting footwear as the second layer of skin upon the feet of daily commuter. Achieving breathability and protection resemble to human skin is the major objective; the goal facilitates the resistance of human body towards humidity, pressure or heat.

Underlying design framework includes origami upper exploration, generative patterns and soles transformation. Iterative structure of the shoes would be paired with sustainability thinking in selecting the further direction.

How can we achieve a more sustainable shoe making process that could potentially increase the chance for footwear as post consumer recycled objects? Especially the upper?

As the sketches forward the concept ideation, the thinking within origami experiments provided the basic logic for the following iterations and expanded the realm of form finding approach.

Major advantage of adopting origami fabric is the technique helps creating several shoe components in one single cut fabric, saving time and cost from additional additive or die cut molds; it also embraces the craftsmanship and details.

The entire thinking process provides the baseline for FTW-SYMT.