Researchers at Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology have introduced LivingLoom, a fabrication method that embeds chia seeds into hydrogel-based fibres, producing textiles that can germinate when cared for. The approach treats plants not as just raw materials but as living companions. The research, which was featured in Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2025) can be found here:
Zhu, J., Chang, S., Zhao, R., & Kao, C. H.-L. (2025). LivingLoom: Investigating Human-Plant Symbiosis Through Integrating Living Plants Into (E-)Textiles. Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1145/3706598.3713156
LivingLoom extends the lab’s earlier EcoThreads methods. In the new process, a polymer–hydrogel solution loaded with chia seeds is wet-spun into fibres by extruding it into a coagulation bath, where the hydrogel solidifies around the seeds. Those seed filled yarns are then woven on a digital Jacquard loom, creating textile structures engineered to retain moisture and provide root support for sprouting. Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao, associate professor of human centered design (CHE) said:
“For most of human history, we have lived alongside plants, and they’ve been leveraged by humans to be used as food or spun into yarns for fabric, we’re really interested in thinking about what it might mean if we could design a more mutual, collaborative relationship with plants. Could this help us reimagine our relationships with the environment, toward more sustainable futures?”
The research was led by Jingwen Zhu and presented at the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Yokohama, Japan. The work was honoured with a Best Paper award, recognising it among the top 1 percent of submissions.
In a diary-based study, ten participants each wore a LivingLoom wristband for two to eight hours daily over three days, documenting their care routines and emotional responses. The proximity of the wearable sprouts led many to water the band when they hydrated themselves and to monitor plant growth alongside their own daily routine. Jingwen Zhu said:
“This was the first time it was a wearable, so the proximity was very close and it actually established an intimate relationship, when the plant needed water, I also took a moment to hydrate myself.”
Participants noted that checking on their sprouts each morning felt similar to noticing their own well-being after a night’s rest. Some even described emotional ties; delight at seeing healthy growth, or genuine sadness if a sprout wilted.
LivingLoom prototypes include hairbands, hats, wristbands, garden pillows, and sandals, with seeds housed in hydrogel matrices that supply nutrients and moisture. Users felt decorative accessories; especially hairbands and hats, offered the best blend of sunlight exposure and wearability.
LivingLoom was developed under the direction of Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao (College of Human Ecology) with lead author Jingwen Zhu (Human Behavior Design), and co-authors Samantha Chang ’26 and Ruth Zhao (University of Pennsylvania). The project received support from the National Science Foundation, the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability Academic Venture Fund, and the College of Human Ecology Faculty Sustainability Research Grant.
Hassan graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Chester (UK). He currently works as a design engineering consultant for one of the largest engineering firms in the world along with being an associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
