Materials in Progress: Innovations for Designers and Architects

Similar to how every day new, greener technologies are invented for day to day use, every day new and greener technologies are created for use within architecture. New materials and technologies play a significant role in architecture and design. Environmentally compatible materials and production methods are demanded just as much as smoothly functioning recycling management. In addition, trends such as digitalization, 3D printing, intelligent systems, and materials have a decisive influence on material innovations. Materials in Progress: Innovations for Designers and Architects by Sascha Peters and Diana Drewes spans a bridge from science and industrial research to applications in architecture and design. With only eight chapters, it eloquently yet succinctly offers a well-grounded overview of the latest material innovations, including edible packaging, liquid light, and intelligent natural materials. New materials are constantly triggering major changes in society, the environment, and technology. Today, 70% of all product innovations are attributed to new findings in materials science and a new generation of products is emerging that exploits new functionality made possible by materials research. At the same time, Peters and Drewes take into consideration the societal dimension of such developments. The first chapter, titled The New Mindfulness and Conscious Consumption delves into the finite resources of our planet and a growing European trend towards meaningful consumption. Materials in Progress: Innovations for Designers and Architects strips down various green methods that are emerging in today’s market, not only for individual use, but also for architectural use.