Materials for Design

by Chris Lefteri

Over the last 10 years there has been a huge growth in the area of materials and design, but most books on the subject deal with advanced, semi-formed materials (that is, materials sold as sheet, rod, tube, etc.). This new book provides much-needed information on the raw materials, and the 'low-down' on what these materials can be used for.

The information provided in the book allows professional designers and students from a range of disciplines – but focusing on product design – to understand in simple, exciting, thought-provoking, visual terms different qualities and features of materials. The subject is presented from the perspective of design, and relevant case studies are used to inspire designers into new ways of thinking about materials. As well as standard and widely available materials, the book also contains emerging materials such as smart materials and self-healing plastics, offering a comprehensive guide to material selection for designers.

Genres: Design, Architecture

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2014

Reviews

[Bazingo Bro · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book on materials and it was a blast! Chris Lefteri's writing is easy to read and understand, which really helps when trying to understand the source material.

I was very captivated by the bio-materials chapter as sustainable (bio)-design is an ever expanding field and problem.

I also understand the need to explain oil-based materials, but in my opinion I found it a bit of a drag as a lot of polymers are only slightly different.

Something I wish was more abundant in this book; smart materials. I only knew I really wanted more of this, after the page about piezo-quartz and it's applications. I knew of this material, but not the amazing ways in which this material is applied.

With that said I was constantly hooked on this amazing book. Lefteri has an amazing way of compacting a lot of information about a material to only 2 pages per material. Definitely worth reading for any engineer or designer working with materials.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Material information is a bit basic. The images could have been higher res. Too.many.typos! For a book that has since been reprinted, this should have been taken care of. Also one entire entry is misplaced compared to the content information. The plastics section needed more editorial overseeing- plastics and thermoplastics terms are used interchangeably with thermoplastic being used even for thermosets, which really is confusing.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro

[Yokusun Basi]

Materials for Design by Chris Lefteri (2014)

[Jenna B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish there was more detail into the sustainability issues with some of these materials - seems a little glossed over in parts.