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.