Inspired by the nomadic Bisht cloak, Bishty is a modular textile system that represents adaptable textile shelters for climate resilience The wearable "Bishty" cloaks emulate the protective function of the traditional Bisht, blending nomadic architectural intelligence and contemporary design to facilitate climate adaptation. The modular textile system can be assembled into a larger canopy that transforms from shading structures to intimate social spaces, drawing on the collective knowledge of nomadic tribes and refugee communities. The felt fabric, made from discarded materials, optimizes thermal properties for climate resilience. By upcycling waste and integrating traditional knowledge, Bishty points towards a future where natural, artificial, and collective forms of intelligence converge to address the climate crisis and related issues of conflict, displacement, and environmental healing.
Artistic director: Azra Akšamija
Project research and development: Future Heritage Lab (Merve Akdoğan, Lillian Kology, Yi-Ern Samuel Tan, Nadine Zaza)
Bishty fabrication: Azra Akšamija, Ganit Goldstein
Model: Yi-Ern Samuel Tan
Wearable Architecture
Comissioned for the Diriyah Biennale of Contemporary Art (2024)
Materials: Recycled felt
Dimensions: variable