Why Materials Matter

Discover the compelling insights in 'Why Materials Matter' by Seetal Solanki, a must-read for those curious about the relationship between material culture and sustainability. This hardback book, measuring 240 x 300 mm with 240 pages of rich content, delves into the pressing question: what does it truly mean to live in a material world? In a thought-provoking exploration, Solanki discusses how materials from our past can shape innovations for our future. From designers to scientists, a diverse range of voices showcase projects that utilize the earth's basic elements, transforming them into innovative and sustainable solutions. Learn how ancient dyeing techniques and glue-making hold keys to creating renewable and eco-friendly consumer products. Explore the potential impacts of recycling plastics on food waste and how emerging lightweight metals could revolutionize the aviation industry. Beyond tangible materials, the book also highlights the importance of digital experiences, suggesting ways our virtual lives can contribute to real-world improvements. Eye-catching and informative, 'Why Materials Matter' is more than just a catalogue of current trends; it’s a manifesto urging us to rethink consumption, manufacturing, and design for a sustainable future. This book is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their understanding of materials science and sustainability, making it a perfect addition to your collection.

Author: Seetal Solanki Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 19-10-2018

What does it mean to live in a material world, and how do materials of the past and present hold the keys to our future? This book tackles these questions by focusing on various issues that human beings face and by discussing potential materials-related solutions. Through the lens of intriguing projects by designers, artists, makers, and scientists, it presents a colourful panoply of ideas, technologies, and creative efforts that focus on the earth’s most basic elements, while also showing how these elements can be transformed into entirely new materials. It explores, for example, how ancient practices such as dyeing fabric and making glue may hold the secret to renewable and earth-friendly consumer products, as well as how recycling plastics can tackle food waste, and how a type of light metal being developed may one day make air travel less fuel-reliant. This book also investigates the potential of the digital experience, suggesting how this most ephemeral type of matter can be used to improve our world. Eye-catching and provocative, Why Materials Matter serves as both a stimulating catalogue of possibilities and a timely manifesto on how to consume, manufacture, and design for a better future.