Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Smart substances, intelligent interfaces, sensory surfaces, self-cleaning materials and inflatable membranes are redefining our environment. Using groundbreaking recent products and projects, this exceptional book reveals the application of new materials in architecture, interiors, fashion, textiles, and product and vehicle design.

Special sections are devoted to interviews with designers, such as David Adjaye, Hussein Chalayan and Marcel Wanders who have made particular use of new materials; an analysis of the transformative science being employed, based on fibre technologies, sustainability, biomimicry, nanotechnology and fabric innovation; and a window into the future drawing on the ideas of leading experts.

The book includes a showcase of 400 of the newest materials, an in-depth glossary and a comprehensive directory of designers, material organizations and design publications, as well as details of professional competitions, awards and fellowships and an index of new materials and their properties.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Most postwar architecture curricula, with the exception of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's at the Illinois Institute of Technology, stressed form and spatial volume. Grounded in a wholly opposing viewpoint-that materials generate form-this book presents an impressive range of materials suitable for several design disciplines, including architecture, interior design, product design, apparel design, and even automotive design. The authors, who operate the New York City resource Material ConneXion, along with its accompanying subscription online database, and Quinn (although only credited as an editor is also an author here) start out with an introduction on the essentials and endurance of fiber technology; this is followed by a chapter on each discipline, with detailed captions on each material illustrated and interviews with creators of several of them. The most cogent chapter examines how several designers, from architect Toyo Ito to apparel designer Isaac Mizrahi and his designs for Target, derive inspiration from the materials themselves. The second part contains a reference for basic material types, from glass to polymers, as well as a directory of designers, organizations, and competitions. This book is a good choice for libraries that cannot afford a subscription to the author's database.-Paul Glassman, Long Island Univ. Lib., Brooklyn, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Beylerian and Dent (Material ConneXion) focus on the wide application of materials in innovative design, e.g., in architecture, interior design, fashion design, textile design, and product and vehicle design. The book provides a thorough discussion of innovative new materials and technologies such as fiber technology and nanotechnology. Special sections are devoted to interviews with designers who have used these new materials. Following an introduction, part 1 concentrates on materials and design, with five chapters dealing with material overviews, material intelligence, material maestros, and more. Part 2, which is focused on reference and information, features two chapters. One covers ultra materials; the second is a sourcebook that includes a glossary, designer directory, and other useful reference information, along with a comprehensive index. Overall, the various contributors have produced a very well-written book that features over 900 superb color illustrations and a very solid binding. Advanced students in the various design fields or architecture will benefit greatly from this book, and professionals will find it an indispensable resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. T. Z. Kattamis University of Connecticut