What new materials do we need now and in the future, and how do we produce and use them sustainably? The design exhibition Material+ approaches these questions through research projects, applications and speculative designs.
New materials have always played a crucial role in design. But in the face of resource scarcity and the climate and biodiversity crises, designers are also rethinking their use of materials with increasing urgency. The focus is on ecological requirements and their social and economic implications. In the broader context of sustainable design, new materials are not the only factor, but they play a crucial role.
Divided into three sections, the exhibition presents a selection of design objects that explore the use of new materials, looking at different aspects of the material cycle, from resource extraction and processing, through application, to reuse or return to the environment. It shows that sustainable design is not only about choosing new materials, but also about considering the whole life cycle of materials.
Raw Materials and Processing
Packaging made from food waste? Chairs grown from minerals? Shoes made from lignin? The Raw Materials and Processing section explores the development and application of new materials based on renewable or recycled raw materials. Exhibits, including works by Tom Dixon and Maurizio Montalti, show how these materials can be used to preserve resources.
Usage and Life Cycle
The Usage and Life Cycle section looks at the development and use of new materials in line with their intended use. From textiles made from cellulose to chairs made from recycled plastics, the durability of materials should match the expected lifetime of the objects, reducing unnecessary waste and energy consumption. The exhibition includes works by Stefan Diez and Steelcase.
Biodegradation and Circulation
Just as design doesn't begin with the use of materials, it does not end when the product is no longer useful. The Biodegradation and Circularity section explores the development and use of new materials that can be easily and completely returned to nature. Objects such as bicycle helmets made from mycelia, containers made from seaweed or disposable packaging made from sea weed do not release toxic substances or microplastics into the environment. The exhibition includes objects made from such materials by Studio Klarenbeek & Dros and Notpla.