Kebony is a high performance wood that is modified by a process called Kebonization, which is an environmentally friendly procedure that enhances the properties of wood using biowaste from the sugar industry. Kebony is a durable alternative to impregnated surface-treated and tropical timber. The process,...

Amico’s APEX expanded metal mesh offers many benefits such as texture, passage of light, air movement, reduction of solar gain, high strength-to-weight ratio and a variety of manufacturing material options. Carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and stainless steel are commonly used to make expanded...

Delight Cloth is a light-emitting textile comprised of thousands of fiber optic strands. With a diameter of only 0.25 to 0.5 mm, the optical fibers are woven into a large translucent tapestry that can be hung vertically or horizontally. The material may be used for wall or ceiling treatments, as well...

I am pleased to announce the publication of Transmaterial 3: A Catalog of Materials that Redefine our Physical Environment, by Princeton Architectural Press. Since the 2006 publication of the best-selling first volume, the Transmaterial series has aimed to inspire architects and designers looking to...

Parabienta is a vertical greening system for buildings developed by Japan-based Shimizu Corporation. Composed of units that incorporate Excelsoil solidified soil base in stainless steel wire frames, a lush green wall may be achieved quickly with the installation of the system. Parabienta has been shown...

Northern Lights is a glass product that can change its appearance due to a change in temperature. Human touch, a change in the ambient air temperature, hot or cold water, or any relatively warm or cool source will trigger a thermochromic response. Northern Lights material may be designed in any size...

Morphotex is the world’s first optical coloring fiber, inspired by the chromogenic principle of Morpho butterflies that inhabit areas along the Amazon in South Africa. Called “living jewels,” the cobalt-blue wings of Morpho butterflies impart vivid color although they have no pigmentation. Teijin...

Monocoque stands for a construction technique that supports structural load using an object’s external skin. Contradictory to the traditional design of building skins that distinguishes between internal structural frameworks and non-bearing skin elements, this approach promotes the heterogeneity...

With the aim of developing interactive environments, Gianfranco Barban and Gregg Brodarick of B.lab have created a series of tabletop surfaces and floor tiles, which are made of layers of plastic sheets encapsulating nontoxic liquids. These liquids move and bubble in various ways based on touch, depicting...

The Dune Project projects a vision of a techno-centric nature and its creative application within public space. Viewers look at, walk around, and interact with a large, undulating field of light-emitting tubes. Designed by Studio Roosegaarde, Dune is an interactive landscape which responds to the location...