Transmaterial 3: A Catalog of Materials that Redfine our Physical Environment

Transmaterial

by Blaine Brownell (Editor)

Since the 2006 publication of his best-selling first volume of Transmaterial , author Blaine Brownell has become the undisputed master of new materials, inspiring architects and designers looking to transform the structure, spaces, and surfaces of their projects with the latest high-tech and environmentally friendly products. The third volume in the critically acclaimed series presents over two hundred emergent materials, products, and systems that have significant potential to transform the constructed world. Transmaterial 3 provides a broad synopsis of the state of technological advances in materials today with a special emphasis on new developments in the field of biopolymers and various agriculturally derived products; biomimetic products, systems, and processes that seek toemulate natural examples including low-embodied-energy and biochemically manufactured products; "grown" materials;nanoscale marvels; renewable energy technologies; "second-life" materials derived from repurposed waste; and responsive, interactive, and transformational digital interfaces that harness pervasive communication networks and are powered by low-energy illumination sources. An excellent ideas generator, Transmaterial 3 is an indispensable tool for any architect or designer looking to keep up with the current trends in the field of materials.

Genres: Architecture

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Transmaterial 3 is an encapsulated snapshot of materials available for architectural and interiors projects ranging from the practical to the ephemeral. Some materials are basic building blocks while others are completely realized concepts pushing the use of materials and space forward.

I think this is a great resource for the conceptual phase of projects or as a reference for new ideas. For some of the materials, the small size of the images makes getting a sense of the physical proportions or workings of the entry more challenging, but overall the layout is easy to reference. One other small criticism is that some of the materials or projects included feel more like one-off art or installation pieces than workable materials, but the exploratory nature of the compendium does not make them feel much out of place.