Material ConneXion Inc.
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Material ConneXion Inc. is a global resource in material innovation through both its materials libraries (online and on site) and its consulting program. There are four libraries located in New York, Milan, Cologne, and Bangkok. The Milan branch of Material ConneXion is associated with the Triennale de Milano. The libraries contain samples of many of the latest materials, that are useful in figuring out solutions to existing design problems, and/or inspiring new design ideas as a result of an interesting material. The consulting component of Material Connexion is where companies come to them to seek out a solution to a very specific design problem. For example, if a company is looking for a certain type of plastic that is safe to be chewed on by babies, and also must be able to be heated in a microwave, Material Connexion's researchers will search for solutions to their problem in existing and emerging technologies or materials. The libraries and consulting services serve the communities of architecture, industrial design, interior design, product design, fashion, and transportation design.
Choosing the new materials and processes on a monthly basis for the library, Materials ConneXion's procedure includes an unbiased jury of professionals who need to approve the materials before they get into the library. The jury ensures that there is a check and balance, preventing the materials manufacturers from influencing the decision of the library with money, gifts, perks, etc. Between 40-50 materials are entered into the library every month at the discretion of the jury. Quarterly the jury is held at the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
George Beylerian, the founder of Material ConneXion, Inc., and former director of the Steelcase Design Development team. He felt that material knowledge is important, and should be readily accessible to designers and creative innovators of all types. He curated an exhibition, Mondo Materialis, which investigated the importance of new materials for designers. He thus to founded an environment where the- democratically approved- new materials of all genres could be made available to these communities in singular and virtual locations.
[edit] Interesting Facts
Material ConneXion was involved in the production of the Aveda Uruku cosmetic packaging line, that used recycled plastic mixed with vegetable fibers.
Material ConneXion also worked with Nike on the development of the Air Jordan XIX sneaker, using a material normally used for covering cables, as a replacemt for laces.
Exhibitions regarding innovative design and/or innovative materials are often organized by Material ConneXion, and are on view in the exhibition spaces of their branches, or at other venues. One of these exhibitions was called Transformations: Nature and Beyond, and was done in collaboration with the Philippines government. This exhibition was comprised of products and objects designed out of the natural resources that the Philippines has to offer. Some of these resources include, oyster shells, bamboo, banan leaves, sea grasses, and others. Some of the designers of the objects include Karim Rashid, David Rockwell, Michele Oka Doner, Shigeru Uchida, and Douglas Fitch.
