What to read after Materials Experience?

This chapter will describe an investigation initiated in 1994 into the sustainable development of materials and the design process and show how this led eventually to the natural development of a physical, sustainable materials resource. It will consider the value of materials that are often thrown away and look at the creative potential of these new, less non-renewable, resource hungry materials. Interviews with designers, manufacturers, retail outlets and government from Europe, Asia and the USA form the basis of case studies. These highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the designers’ involvement in developing markets for these materials, showing how unexpected outcomes have sustained industries and their supporting communities. With the library as an influential resource, it will look at the impact that these new materials are having on the next generation of designers.