Nanditha Nair is an innovator and design researcher from India working at the intersection of textiles, digital fabrication, and bio-fabrication. Her work combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to tackle environmental challenges while fostering sustainable livelihoods. During her fellowship, she focuses on exploring and documenting Okinawan traditional weaving techniques, patterns, methods, materials, and the rhythmic body movements integral to Okinawan weaving. Her research will dive into three specific weaving styles: Yomitanzan Hanaori, Shuri Ori, and Kijoka Bashofu. In addition, she intends to investigate distinctive dyeing technique of Ryukyu Bingata. She plans to collaborate with local artisans, weavers, and cultural experts in Okinawa, who have inherited and continue to practice these traditional crafts.

Profile
With a background in engineering and a career that began in writing and editing, Nair brings a unique perspective to design research and documentation. In 2012, she founded her own design studio, "Soul Sanchi," which employs technology for sustainable design and small-batch production, empowering artisans. Among her notable projects are “Pola,” an initiative she developed at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain which transforms invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biomaterials, "Weaving Futures" and "GAWA," which document handicrafts. She is a recipient of Rajiv Circle Fellow and the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK.