IntroductionNew techniques and materials are being discovered and developed which make it possible to improve the technical and aesthetical quality of buildings. Successful development of innovative materials is only possible if there is an improvement in the properties and skills of the material; when it is stronger and lighter, when its physical properties are improved, when the quantity of material used is reduced and when it is less expensive, environmentally friendly and durable. In addition - and most importantly for architects – the sensory aspects of materials can be used to achieve the desired effect of the design, both internally and externally. After all, every designer is looking for materials which will translate his idea into reality.

The exhibition
Informative, inspiring and innovative: what better words could be used to describe the hundred stimulating samples of materials which can be seen, touched and experienced at Materia’s international travelling exposition.Materials on display included:

Litracon, the much discussed transparent concrete, which is not only of constructional quality but also transmits light glass that has been made sun-resistant by the use of intelligent materials thermal insulation material developed by NASA light transmitting stone plastic which provides special colour effects and many other innovative materials. 

Projects will also be displayed in which over the years stone, wood, organic materials, steel, zinc, aluminium, glass, ceramics, concrete and plastics have played an essential role. Each type of material has evolved in its own way: from the colossal blocks of natural stone used for the pyramids to wafer-thin translucent stone, from primary “Butzen” glass to constructional quality float glass, from the zinc roofs of Paris to zinc with a smooth black oxide finish for façades, from cast-iron staircases versus subtly shining stainless-steel façades and from Roman concrete constructions versus the sculptural architecture of Calatrava.The contents of the exposition ‘Material Skills, evolution of materials’ is included in a book with the same title, following the pattern set by ‘Future Materials’, its successful predecessor.

The press

"Materia is one of the few initiatives that systematically charts the knowledge and know how in the field of aesthetic material properties and production possibilities.”
De Architect.

"The inspiration factor is guaranteed with Materia in the product range”.
Detail in architectuur.

"Inspiring, amazing and stimulating... The possibility of being able to touch, pick up and examine all of the materials is very inspiring… the catalogue is a useful reference for serving up new ideas…”
Items

"…Besides the participation of 900 exhibitors there was a great number of extra activities.
The exposition Material Skills drew a lot of attention, where the latest materials were presented.”
Press release International Bouwbeurs, Utrecht.

"…Materia's new exposition Material Skills. A very inspiring overview of new materials and building material applications, where all materials can be touched. And just that is the way in which architects wish to work, according to Uytenhaak, De Ruiter and Murphy during their lecture that same morning.”
Archined