© Nordic Materials™ / C(h)ameleon in Mikkeli, Finland.

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Discover the latest material innovation shown for the first time in Norway. We propose to look at how objects can reinvent themselves and break the monotony. Dead, dull and colourless environments could become things of the past. Biomimicry materials follow the example of nature, which adapts, change and metamorph in order to survive. We are used to deciphering and analysing the pictorial signals that nature gives us. The yellowing of the leaves from a lack of chlorophyll announces the arrival of winter. The chameleon shows what mood it is in by changing the patterns and colouring of its skin. “Colours are the smiles of nature,” wrote the English poet Leigh Hunt. Men have always observed the ways in which nature adapts to change and it has inspired them to come up with sophisticated technologies that improve our everyday lives and make them more enjoyable. Just as a chameleon can change the colour of its skin by altering its pigment cells, so does the latest technical materials that are active and reactive. There are thermo-chrome, thermo-regulating or phase-change materials. They are also able to detect and analyse changes in their environment and adapt. Their uses in the design of our homes, our offices and our furniture, mean that we can look forward to functional improvements that would have been hard to foresee. They encourage and contribute to the emergence of an almost boundless world of design possibilities.

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© Nordic Materials™ / C(h)ameleon in Paris, France.

© Nordic Materials™ / Naturtex

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Program

Created by Nordic Materials / Motivated by Alexandre Bau and Diane Noetinger

Prospective: material and design visions, innovator, artist and scientific point of view.
Material: showcase of 10 alternative processes and material samples
Application: examples shared as case studies
Lunch: warm lunch at Transplant and networking
Opening of “C(h)ameleon”: guided tour of the exhibition.

Price for the Material Afternoon “C(h)ameleon including lunch: 950,-/person
For booking, please take contact with Maria to organize your visit, click here.
Nordic Materials members gets one free entery. See you there…

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After Finland, the latest material innovation is shown in Norway. C(h)ameleon will be open to public for visit on reservation from: the 18.03.2010 10h to the 25.03.2010 16h. Visits are organized for companies, schools and institutions from 1500,-.

© Home movie: making off, Luc Besson, Francois-Henri Pinault, Yann Arthus Bertrand

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Transplant is projecting publicly the unique and essential movie of Yann Arthus Bertrand “HOME”. You are all invited to share this non only beautiful check point on our planet but to awake conscience. Family are invited and expected. The movie is in english.

FREE projection: 20.00 to 21.33 / 06.03.2010 / Transplant

Then you are very welcome for a dialog around a drink about the movie.

“We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth’s climate. The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being. For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film.

HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.”

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Read the full program here

© 2009 / EDAG Light Car / electrical car following Cradle to Cradle principles.

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Could innovation be to make new things with old? Well, I don’t believe human beings are intrinsically able to be part of a fondamental creation process. Understand me well: we are creative but not capable of generating from nothing a tangible matter. Could we create water, the concept of heat, or the magnificence of tree? We agree: we can not. Shall we? the question is not even there. Humanity is part of an ecosystem, and as all systems, follow rules and is efficient as long as it is balanced, and well tuned. Nordic Materials is constantly getting upgraded by knowledge from the nordic regions and beyond. Hopenhagen sounds far away: our danish network is definitively closer. Nordic Materials is part of CradlePeople in Denmark. What happens after the time life of the product, where does things goes and what are the consequences?

Cradle to Cradle Design , alias C2C, is a biomimetic approach to the design of systems. It models human industry on nature’s processes in which materials are viewed as nutrients circulating in healthy, safe metabolisms. It suggests that industry must protect and enrich ecosystems and nature’s biological metabolism while also maintaining safe, productive technical metabolism for the high-quality use and circulation of organic and synthetic materials. The model in its broadest sense is not limited to industrial design and manufacturing; it can be applied to many different aspects of human civilization such as urban environments, buildings, economics and social systems.

The certification criteria in C2C certification process are:

Material Health, which involves identifying the chemical composition of the materials that make up the product. Particularly hazardous materials (e.g. heavy metals, pigments, halogen compounds etc.) have to be reported whatever the concentration, and other materials reported where they exceed 100 ppm. For wood, the forest source is required. The risk for each material is assessed against criteria and eventually ranked on a scale with green being materials of low risk, yellow being those with moderate risk but are acceptable to continue to use, and red for materials that have high risk and need to be phased out. Grey for materials with incomplete data. Material Reutilization which is about recovery and recycling at the end of product life. Energy required for production, which for the highest level of certification > 50% on solar for all parts and subassemblies. Water, particularly usage and discharge quality. Social responsibility which refers to fair labour practices. The certification is available at several levels: basic, silver, gold, platinum, with more stringent requirements at each.

C2C is a holistic economic, industrial and social framework that seeks to create systems that are not just efficient but essentially waste free.

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© 2008 Nike Considered corporate website

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One effective example is a shoe that is designed and mass produced using the C2C model. The sole might be made of “technical nutrients” while the upper parts might be made of “biological nutrients.” The shoe is mass produced at a manufacturing plant that utilizes its waste material by putting it back into the cycle; an example of this is using off-cuts from the rubber soles to make more soles instead of merely disposing of them (this is dependent on the technical materials not losing their quality as they are reused). Once the shoes have been manufactured, they are distributed to retail outlets where the customer buys the shoe at a fraction of the price they would normally pay for a shoe of comparable aspects; the customer is only paying for the use of the materials in the shoe for the period of time that they will be using the shoe. When they outgrow the shoe or it is damaged, they return it to the manufacturer. When the manufacturer separates the sole from the upper parts (separating the technical and biological nutrients), the biological nutrients are returned to the natural environment while the technical nutrients are used to create the sole of another shoe. As decent case study, the Nike Considered shoe (picture above) which fellows the C2C and is certified. This giant corporate company is implanting visible processes to achieve the missing link, as Re Use initiative. You could check all details about C2C interactions here.

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© 2009 / Climatex / C2C certified

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Climatex upholstery fabrics fulfill the highest expectations with regard to well-being, beauty, safety, and longevity. They are the result of intelligent product design and formidably suited for residential, contract, and passenger transport applications. Climatex upholstery fabrics comply with the principles of eco-effectiveness and are biologically regenerative. The selection of materials and dyes is the result of a scientifically evaluated “whitelist” of ecologically safe substances. The materials contained in Climatex fabrics are defined in consultation with the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA). McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) assesses the continuity of processes and issues the certificates. Climatex enables all manufacturers to optimize their performance in terms of eco-effectiveness. Climatex is a certified Cradle to Cradle product and can therefore be integrated in new durables as a component that is guaranteed to be biologically regenerative. The use of Climatex fabrics in other eco-effective products establishes the beginning of a new and larger cycle. The Cradle to Cradle principle positions sustainability as a success factor.

Climatex stands for holistic thinking. Everything as sociated with Climatex honors the Cradle to Cradle philosophy: from raw materials, packaging, processing, and use, ultimately through to repatriation into natural cycles. And Climatex guarantees transparency and full traceability. From the very outset, Climatex products are designed according to the principle that they will be returned to natural cycles as biological nutrients at the end of their service life. This represents an analogy to natural evolution. Everything developed, produced, and ultimately discarded by nature is returned, without loss, as an underlying substance for new and different organisms.

© Nordic Materials / Matti Kilpiäinen discovering “Sensitile”, Mikkeli University

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Miktech Ltd. in Finland is the first stop of the C(h)ameleon material exhibition tour starting the second week of January 2010, for two weeks. The exhibition will be available to rent in the Nordic region until June 2010.

Nordic Materials has been motivated to meet again our finnish network and partners as Kari Kuhmonen with his more than decent perspective and knowledge of wood technology (thanks for sharing this unique kayak under eight kg from South Africa, it is a beauty of technology and design), Vesa Sorasahi and his gentle way to believe in transversal models (and it is not that often), Kai Hannonen and his competence within the composites and their ocean of possibilities (thanks Kai for your energy and your sense of music,) and Matti Kilpiäinen for his strong desire and believes within Material and Design fields (the next visit is yours and you are expected at transplant); projects are getting defined more precisely, and a good base of trust, communication and common goals are definitively there. People, knowledge and solutions are soon going to be visible from the collaboration between Mikkeli network and Nordic Materials. When things are done easily and smoothly between people, it is a good sign. to be continued very soon(…)

To introduce the Material Exhibition “C(h)ameleon” to finnish network, we designed a Material Afternoon around this theme where the principles of C(h)ange has been transmitted.

© Maaseudun tulevaisuus 20/01/10/”The solution lies in mimicking the natural environment”. Photography: Viikkose/2010.

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© Nordic Materials / Alexandre Bau introducing C(h)ameleon to Miktech Ltd. in Finland. Photography: Länsi-Savo/2010.

© Nordic Materials / Opening of C(h)ameleon exhibition with Miktech Ltd., Mikkeli/Finland

© Nordic Materials / Kari Kuhmonen introducing the Material Afternoon “C(h)ange”, Mikkeli University

© Nordic Materials / Alexandre Bau motivating the Material Afternoon “C(h)ange”, Mikkeli University

© Nordic Materials / Kai Hannonen introducing the exhibition “C(h)ameleon for Miktech Ltd., Mikkeli University

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Making off

Designed by Nordic Materials / Motivated by Alexandre Bau

Prospective: specialists visions, innovators, artists and relevant researches are shared / 30 min
Materials: over 10 alternatives and processes with real materials samples showcases / 20 min
Application: professional and companies examples shared as example of functional model / 20 min

> Miktech Ltd.
> Mikkeli University

© 2010, The Year we make contact / Stanley Kubrick -MGM

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The end of the year will be charged of nice intentions. At Nordic Materials, we believe strongly in some 2010 resolutions. For example, what will come out of the Copenhagen Conference, and the fact that we have to go down to zero (enough is enough says Gaïa) CO2 emission within maximum 80 years if we just want to stabilize the situation, according to 29 climatologs. It is not that things will be that horrible and that we will disappear at once; but it is just going to change faster, much faster than expected. It could be clever to buy pieces of land in what is for now rural areas of the Netherlands or outer Londonian suburbs. Because in one small century, they will become the next thermal city fashionista, as Bruxelles could be, in 200 years, an ocean city. To change our use of natural resources in the soon future, contribution can come from alternatives for the production industry within the field of materials.

From january 2010 Nordic Materials, is touring the exhibition called “C(h)ameleon“.
Over time and through evolution, animals have developed natural forms of defense and survival techniques.  One of the most visibly apparent examples of this is the Cameleon, a distinctive type of lizard.  Some, but not all, chameleons have the ability to change the colour of their skin as to blend into their surroundings and camouflage themselves from potential predators or prey.  This transformational ability and many more, such as the possibility to change under the influence of electricity, light, water or movement with varied optical effects can be found in  the materials exposed in the Nordic Materials latest exciting C(h)ameleon Material Exhibition. C(h)ameleon will open at Miktech, Mikkeli University in Finland the 5th of january 2010. Transplant will then show the exhibition during the month of March 2010 (an invitation will follow). Here can you discover materials from the textile industry to materials that have been used for building facades, C(h)améléon is an up to date insight into a field related to the Biomimicry field many are exploring at the moment. For more information about renting or attending the exhibition please contact us: about [ a t ] nordicmaterials [ d o t ] com.

© Superfabric

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SuperFabric® technology by HDM inc.
Before the bubbly moment of this so called 2010 first day, we would like to share, after watching 2010 Odyssey of Kubrick (again), a material coming out if this anticipated dream: SuperFabric® technology by HDM inc, is a finishing process that takes ordinary fabrics ans transforms them into high performance fabrics. These new protective fabrics can be engineered from optimum resistance to abrasions, lacerations, punctures, stains, and more while remaining flexible. The plates are inert, eco-friendly materials. 
There are a wide variety of environmentally-friendly SuperFabric brand materials that can be constructed. For example, non-halogenated flame retardants can be used with SuperFabric brand materials along with a flame-retardant cotton substrate to produce an eco-friendly flame-retardant and tear-resistant product.

Nordic Materials is invited to design a tailored event Material Afternoon named “BOOST” for the Danish Design Centre the 01st of December 2009.
Already 15 companies have pre booked their places and it will be an energetic upgrade following the Material Afternoon matrix: a Prospective module to share visions and long term strategies, Materials & Processes to go together into plug and play solutions to solve your challenges as industrials and managers, and an open source dialog as “Table Ronde” in french so we could help you to make your material choices.

Alexandre Bau will lead this Material Afternoon and will be happy to share knowledge with you during this day mentored by the Danish Design Centre. See you there !

Making off

Designed by Nordic Materials / Coached by Alexandre Bau
Prospective: ten specialists visions concerning sustainability, innovation, and relevant researches are shared through interactive support / 60 min
Materials: over 40 alternatives and processes with real materials samples showcases / 120 min
Table Ronde: open source debate / 30 min

> Check the program on the DDC website here

© Photography: www.drawmeasheep.com

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In October 2009, Alexandre Bau also lectured during a tailored Material Afternoon “Very Wood” at the MikTech seminar in Finland, on the theme of innovation in wood. The event was joined by over sixty experts in wood technology. The Mikkeli University in Finland is the first stop of the C(h)ameleon material exhibition tour starting the second week of January 2010. The exhibition will be available to rent in the Nordic region until June 2010.

The Mikkeli University also took the nice initiative to challenge their students in contact with the Nordic Materials Exhibition “Growing Materials” they hosted few weeks earlier. It has been a notified creativity boost and three projects came along with sustainable alternative products; here they are:

Prize winners of Growing Materials competition in Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences. Picture from left:
2nd prize Roni Kosunen: 2nd year student of industrial design / acoustic wall panel made by cork
1st prize Miika Nieminen: 3th year student of industrial design / “moon” chair made by plant composite
3th prize Taina Inkeröinen & Johanna Pastinen: 3th year student of industrial design / coffin made by recycled material

© 2009 Nordic Materials. Photographies: Miktech.
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© 2009 Nordic Materials: Alexandre Bau having a dialog with Kai Hannonen, Miktech.

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Making off

Designed by Nordic Materials / Coached by Alexandre Bau

Prospective: wood & fiber sector / 30 min
Materials: over 20 alternatives and processes with samples showcases / 45 min
Table Ronde: open source debate / 10 min

> Miktech Technology Centre /Fi

© Nordic Materials designed a tailored event “Material Morning” for the Danish Design Centre program “360“.

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This fall, the 21/22th of October 2009, Nordic Materials has been called to transmit material innovation to Danish industrial companies through the Danish Design Centre program called “360 degrees“. Eight companies from health care services to production and services company learned about targeted materials and processes. During this “Material Morning”, we came along with a selection of more than 20 samples of innovative materials and new processes. The success of this event led to a request to come back to Denmark already the 01st of december 2009 to talk and interact with creative people during a Material Afternoon called “Material Boost” (link here).

Making off

Designed by Nordic Materials / Coached by Alexandre Bau
Prospective: sustainability and underground researchs are shared through interactive support / 30 min
Materials: over 20 alternatives and processes with real materials samples showcases / 60 min
Table Ronde: open source debate / 15 min

> the Danish Design Centre / Dk

© C(h)ameleon at Architect@Work 2009

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C(h)améléon Materials exhibition available now

As we move through a period of uncertainty economically, which ultimately can affect production, sales and the ability to make conscious long-term decision, there is a perpetual requirement to stay actively afloat and not sink by staying lead footed to the same point. Some say that smaller companies, although more susceptible to suffer from a downturn, are those that will have the ability to move the most efficiently and quickly with the changing times as opposed to the larger juggernaut sized companies that try and maintain out-dated working systems.  While the human world deals with what we perceive as crisis in waves and troughs, many animals face threats every day from potential predators, weather conditions and terrain.

Over time and through evaluation though, many animals have developed natural forms of defence or survival techniques.  One of the most visibly apparent examples of this is the Cameleon, a distinctive and highly specialized type of lizard.  Some, but not all, chameleons have the ability to change the colour of their skin as to blend into their surroundings and camouflage themselves from potential predators or prey.  This transformational ability and many more such as the possibility to cause change under the influence of electricity, light, water or movement to materials with varied optical effects can be found in Nordic Materials latest exciting and relevant Cameleon Material Exhibition.  From examples of use in the fashion and textile industry to materials that have been used for full building facades, Caméléon is an up to date insight into a field related to the Biomimicry field many are exploring at present.

Click here to find out more details on rental or other related Nordic Materials products that could feed your interests in new and innovative materials.

C(h)améléon Materials exhibition available to rent now ! Click here to know more.

Already booked for Finland beginning of January 2010, in Norway in February 2010.

photos: © 2010 Innovatheque for Nordic Materials

photo: Burton Snowboards © 2009

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Living to Wear and Wearing to Live

At this time of year in Norway, thermal underwear starts to be something of a seasonal necessity rather than a celebrated choice for fashionistas.  It was no surprise then that we could not help but notice some of the latest trend impulses toward visible outer wear akin to a secondary skin.  By secondary skin we don´t mean wooly animal furs draped over our limbs, though.  Tight fitting wears that stick to the skin and add living properties to the wearable function.  These living properties could be breathable and light material, phase changing intelligent textiles, colour changing C(h)améléon materials or simply tight fitting and alluring cuts of cloth for those chasing a certain look. We examine the possibilities of clothes and fabrics that give the most functions; clothes that we imagine to be more than just wearable but also like a secondary skin.

At present, there are number of high-tech materials that have been discovered, developed and produced by NASA that are now available to the general public  through use in fabrics, plastics and composites. One such material is Outlast Adaptive Comfort, a material which behaves like a temperature regulator and that was initially used for astronauts gloves being exposed to extremes variations in temperature. This thermo-regulating technology can be applied to fabrics as a coating or as part of a yarn woven into a textile. It functions by absorbing the warm excess heat and giving it back when the body needs it most and vice versa regarding excess cold. The result is an excellent comfortability, a reduction in excess heat and cold and ultimately control over the body’s temperature. The technology involves the use of a microencapsulated and phase changing material, which needs to be in a close proximity with the body to work most efficiently.  A less high-tech material but, all the same a living and breathing textile that continues to work while being worn; Tencel is a material technology which utilizes natural wood cellulose and the Lotus Effect to create a smoother fiber structure for better breathability and greater comfort. The body of the wearer is protected by a soft and light second skin, which mixes softness and resistance, nature and technology, comfort and ecology. Tencel brings together many material qualities that could make other alternatives seem inferior.  Testament to this materials properties are the fact that leading outdoor wear specialists such as Patagonia and Helly Hansen are loyal users of it throughout their ranges of clothing.

Naturally Sourced and Reused Materials

‘As the emphasis shifts increasingly to the wholesome, authentic and organic, designers are looking for original ways to use natural materials.  Safeguarding the natural world emerges strongly as a theme.’
Frame magazine, issue number 69 July/August 2009

The advent of greater social awareness to sustainability and a desire for more narrative information from products has rapidly benefited the attention of perceived material innovation.  Perhaps ten years ago it would not be so easy to spot recycled or biodegradable materials and products in the public domain but now it is almost a daily occurrence.  There are many options for a designer or producer to be seen as acting green.  What is not clear however, is whether what we believe to be green materials or techniques actually are.  At Nordic Materials we aim to challenge what is taken for granted as being green and together with our network accredit what we see as rightful bearers of an eco or green badge.

The recent ‘Growing Materials’ exhibition, which can at present can be seen in Finland, was an exhibition primarily about materials that were enhanced by the use natural materials such as wood in its various states.  The large amount of bio-polymers that could be biodegradable or compostable is representative of a trend toward the use of such materials.  As packaging, decoration or a standard plastic alternative; biodegradable plastics sound ideal.  After use, send it to the trash and then it vanishes.  The reality of such a material is quite different though when you examine some industry experts opinions.

Since 1994 Smile Plastics has been committed to sourcing and developing innovative ideas and markets for recycled materials, concentrating on transforming plastic waste into multicoloured sheets.  Colin Williamson from Smile Plastics opines that not only is there more energy and cost in the production of biodegradable plastics but that the major problems lie in post use.  He also remarks how when standard plastics are put to waste, they may take up space in landfill sites but that they stay inert like rocks – not polluting or doing any more harm to the environment.  Some biodegradable plastics however, go on to release methane amongst other toxic gasses during the degradation period.  Testament to this issue are some recent EU initiatives aimed at limiting the amount of biodegradable plastics going to landfills.

An interesting view but, by all means not a damming critique of all things bio.  A quite different type of material and end result can be found with bio-composites.  In relative geographic proximity to Smile Plastics, Scotland’s Cellucomp have a vision to lead the world in providing high performance composite products manufactured from sustainable sources. They have developed a bio-composite material that is an alternative to glass or carbons fibers and is actually derived from degraded carrots.  At present the material has found use in a fishing rod with excellent bending stiffness, superior to carbon and glass fibers.  Cellucomp themselves point out that many bio-composites up till now have proven to have limitations, particularly with inferior strength and stiffness compared with glass or carbon fiber.  It is for this reason they strive to fill the need for bio-composites with increased performance, particularly with stiffness, strength and toughness.  A bright solution for a bio material that is made to last and not degrade.

photo: © 2009 Litracon

Material Selection to Copenhagen Design Week.

An exciting new series of accessible and informative material services makes it possible to order physical samples from Nordic Materials. It was with great pleasure that we watched the first selection leave our headquarters at Transplant for Denmark this morning. The Material Selection is a collection of physical material samples specially selected according to the clients brief and including material data, contact details, labels and cartouche – read more about it and order here.

The Material Selection included materials from the Growing Materials exhibition, currently exhibited in Finland, and the forthcoming C(h)améléon materials exhibition. The destination of this selection will be Denmark where the materials will be displayed by the Development Center for Furniture and Wood, UMT, as part of a unique event at Copenhagen Design Week. We are honored to play a role with such a prestigious event and  look forward to being involved in more similar programs in the future. You can see an interactive preview of the event here. You can also find full descriptions and order details of  all of our new and improved material services through our material services section. For those who attend, have a great Copenhagen Design Week from Nordic Materials!

photo: © 2009 Nordic Materials

Advanced Materials with Comforting Properties

because as an industrial designer,  the vast majority of my work in general is produced using high tech materials, so where possible for GStar we ‘ve tried to identify and use similarly interesting textiles … e.g. Gore-Tex laminate.
Marc Newson, International product designer

The long dark nights are looming and the rain has began to drip like a sumo wrestler in a sauna.  Thoughts are now going to layering up and keeping dry in the Nordic regions.  We’ve been thinking ahead at Nordic Materials and have drowned ourselves in a wave of exciting and effective high tech textiles.  From phase-changing C(h)améléon materials to textiles that moisturize your skin as you wear them you can now find them all in our material library located on the west coast of Norway.

Marc Newson is no stranger to new technology or innovation, happily jumping between projects for air jets and decorative jewelery.  His latest clothes range for G-Star (their 6th year of collaboration) was exhibited in  the Parisian mecca of culture Colette earlier this year and featured a monochromatic choice of fluid lines, subtle seams and high quality materials.  Amongst the materials included in the  9 piece collection such as wool and leather, a high-tech Gore Tex laminate was used. All Gore-Tex fabrics are already waterproof, windproof and breathable however when the Gore-Tex membrane is bonded with another high performance fabric it creates a laminate.  These laminates can provide extra properties according to what the maker desires; weight, texture, abrasion resistance and so on.  So as the Autumn/Winter months close in, remember to think about what you wear and what it´s made from.

photo: © 2009 Marc Newson for G-Star

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New Prototype exhibition available from Nordic Materials

Not many technological developments available to aide product development have evoked and stirred designers and engineers alike in the manner rapid prototyping has.  A technique and process that became available in the late 1980s as a response to a need for time efficient and precision manufacturing at a low cost, it has developed into a solution for not only product development but, also final production of quality parts in small numbers and a medium of expression for some artists that want to produce complex shapes. Through processes such as stereolithography, fused depostition modeling, powder sintering, 3D printing, metal powder melting and post-cure treatment, rapid prototyping has the ability to create imaginary scenarios in a 3D format.  From being an indispensable tool for those needing to envisage dangerous scenarios on oil rigs in the oil and gas industry to the designer who wants to know the limitation of a form at a certain angle, rapid prototyping makes it possible to achieve a comprehensive view of a product in terms of its shape, weight, appearance, capabilites and mechanical properties.

One relevant and contemporary example of rapid prototyping providing not only a selective view of a product in development but, a final finished piece and an insight into the possibilities of this particular technique is a range of furniture from the Swedish design collective Front.  Using a technique that the Front members developed themselves they are able to materialize free hand sketches from a pen directly into a finished 3D form.  Pen strokes are captured in action by Motion Capture technology, a technique usually used for animation, and automatically transformed into 3D digital files that are readable by rapid prototyping technology.  The captured 3D digital files can then be materialized through rapid prototyping into real pieces of furniture.  The materialization process involves a laser beam building up the inputted 3D form  layer by layer within a liquid plastic material.  After a few hours the final form is finished and ready to be treated.  While Front´s Sketch furniture range may communicate more through the production process rather than the final product´s function and performance, it is a significant example of the increasing commercial possibilities of rapid prototyping.  Indeed, it has been suggested that in the near future it will be possible for individual consumers to not only select and order products such as furniture online  but, to watch as their very own 3D printer materializes their selection before their eyes.

It may seem far-fetched to imagine such scenarios such are the limitations of such a process at this early stage of it´s development but, what is certain is that for a process that has been developed for a relatively short space of time rapid prototyping is an exciting and indispensable tool in the product development process.  If you are captivated and would like to learn more about rapid prototyping through physical samples, finished products, learning aides such as text, photos and explanatory diagrams  and access to a directory of service providers and machine manufacturers then we recommend you or your associated institute have a look into the possibilities of renting Prototype, our dedicated rapid prototype exhibition available to rent from April 2009. Click here to find out more details on rental or other related Nordic Materials products that could feed your interests in new and innovative materials.

Prototype exhibition available from October 2009

photos: © 2009 Nordic Materials

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Nordic Materials is going to Mikkeli University in Finland for our first visit to Nordic Materials new Finnish partner, and to introduce the exhibition “Growing Materials” to the Finnish innovators.
We are delighted to join this opening and are looking forward to network with Finnish partners there, thanks to Kari.
see you there !

> Mikkeli University

Local Materials with a Global Context

Amongst a constant wave of technological advancement and exciting new scientific development, those involved and interested in materials can often forget the most basic yet effective hand-made solutions.  While biomimicry sets out to replicate the infinite possibilities and ideas nature already provides, many artists and designers who do not have direct access to high-tech and scientific tools are developing their own materials with whatever resources they can set their hands upon.  Whether the end results or processes are compostable, re-cycled, re-used or hand woven these materials can be just as sustainable a solution as so-called ‘eco materials’.  From the reduction in mass manufacturing, re-use of objects and the possibility of going local and reducing transportation needs such action can make positive difference.

In our remote outpost in the West Coast of Norway we are lucky to be in geographical proximity of an international college, the Nordic Artists’ center and many local artists and designers throughout the Sogn og Fjordane region.  We recently had the pleasure of meeting one such local artist from neighboring town Førde as she visited to show us her hand-made woven textiles derived from paper, cotton and metal yarn as well as other materials such as bamboo.  Oddlaug Fonn Skaar’s designs for her Fonn Design label were refreshing to see, it reminded us that composite and innovative materials don’t have to be complex gels, moulds or processes.  By combining different yarns, Oddlaug created different properties to her aesthetically light, fine and attractive textiles.  By weaving paper yarn into the textile the final material becomes more stiff while cotton yarn used in the same way would make a softer and more flexible finish.  We are proud to now house a truly local and innovative material in our material library and you can see more of Oddlaug’s work through her website here. You can read more about what is happening with local and visiting artists throughout the West Coast regions on the website West Norway Air.

photo: © 2009 Fonn Design

Leopards That Can Change Spots

While delving through our online digital resource as part of research for the latest exhibition Nordic Materials have available to rent, Chaméléon, we found a mass of exciting materials, initiatives and objects that followed the exhibition’s theme. From materials that could change under the influence of electricity, light, water or movement to materials with varied optical effects, there was a large amount of examples of their practical and aesthetic uses throughout.

Uses of Chaméléon materials we found during our research ranged from full building facades to microscopic changes that bared little impact to the eye but, served an important practical use.  An example of the latter can be found in Klimeo’s heat-regulating textiles which, combine the natural heat-regulating properties of Australian merino wool with micro-encapsulation technology.  The unique process ensures that the person wearing a Kimeo garment maintains a level and comfortable temperature throughout the duration of their use.  The high technical performance of this material means it can be used not only in the fashion industry but, even the automobile industry where high-performance materials are essential due to safety needs.  A more visible and interactive Chaméléon material we found was Modulor’s kinetic 3d-film.  A material that mirrors the effect of the shiny stickers many of us used to fervently seek out to fill our sticker albums during our youth, or for some still today.  The film has a layered honeycomb structure which, allows for the impression of depth and distortion to be accentuated or appear deformed – ideal to catch the eye of passer by.  The aesthetic nature of this material again lends itself to a more fashion related use such as  curtains, bags or for accessories and decoration.

photo: © 2009 Modulor

Making It With Metal Waves

We recently had the pleasure of introducing a high-school intern into the world of innovation and design for one week of work experience at Transplant.  In the duration of her week´s experience she learned about each individual´s role in Transplant and how they combined to make an end product.  To enhance the learning experience and understanding of the design process we developed a design brief and tutored her along the way, culminating in a presentation of the final design in the Nordic Materials library. It was exciting to watch as our intern learned about creative processes and realized the elements of design that she enjoyed the most.  The final product was a fashion garment and took influence from the surrounding landscape of sculptural green hills and deep blue fjords.

The choice of materials varied from decorative and high-end textiles such as Swarovski´s Crystal Mesh, a product of the CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements assortment, to Naturtex’s Plata and Marino fibers, normally used with fabric and rugs. While the material choices varied in aesthetic they were all based on metal mesh structures, perhaps testament to the hard with smooth landscape the design was influenced by.  It was also interesting that at a time when the haptic quality of materials is becoming more of a necessity than a fascination, materials normally seen as more rough and less touchable such as metal could be used for a delicate and styled garment. Another example of metal mesh finding haptic qualities could be found in the use of LED´s in Haver & Boecker’s new LED system ‘Imagic Weave‘ which incorporates LED profiles to the reverse of the metal wire mesh allowing users to create attractive indoor or outdoor lighting effects.  This material is also a recent arrival to Nordic Materials material library.

photo: © 2009 Swarovski

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Recycled Audio Tape Finds a New Coat of Arms

At Nordic Materials we are constantly monitoring the material market and keeping in touch with what is happening in the world of materials.  Recently, during research, we discovered a charming material that showed the possibilities of reuse of rejected products.  Design Tex’s ‘Sonic Fabric’ was initially developed by the multi-media sound artist Alyce Santoro to finally be used as a dress for musician Jon Fisherman to wear and play on during a performance. It’s made entirely from old cassette tape.  While this material may not, at present, have great technological capabilities it is a good example of how we can think of product after-life.  As the realization that many of the new products released into the global market (one every three minutes in 2008) cannot find a home for life, it is important to understand that they cannot just be thrown away and added to already oversubscribed landfill sites.

‘Sonic Fabric’ was also recently displayed in a glamorous manner through the fashion designs of former pro skater Pierre Andre Senizergues.  Senizergues’s main piece for his most recent collection is a suit produced with the recycled cassette tape material.  An article about the collection and use of the material featured in seminal culture and fashion magazine Dazed and Confused.  Read it here.  You can also see the material in use as part of the ‘Fabric for Thought’ sustainable fashion exhibition at Koldinghus in Denmark from May 7 until September 6 this year.

photo: © 2009 Alyce Santoro

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Sustainable Design as a Tool of Progression

‘Eighty percent of the environmental impact of today’s products, services and infrastructures is determined at the design stage.  Design therefore has an enormous impact on resource efficiency in our economy, and can make a critical contribution in the transition to sustainability.’
John Thackara, Director of Doors of Perception

Sustainable decisions may no longer be seen as a burden for companies to mull over or avoid.
Under pressure from new legislation (within individual countries and collectively) and with the guidance of the many ‘green-minded’ initiatives sprouting up around the globe, companies are enforced to no longer sweep the sustainable option to one side.  In fact, the act of embracing a more sustainable attitude to business should not be seen as a marketing buff, but an investment for increased earnings.  Initiatives such as Giraffe Innovation in the United Kingdom, a leading Eco-Design consultancy, are testament to the progress sustainable action can bring.

Up to now Giraffe Innovation have identified over £23 million of potential savings for British companies through a simple re-evaluation of their production process. Giraffe are not only guiding other companies on a consultancy basis but, they are also leading the way with their development of the first commercially available electrical goods, a Ferrari and Meridian branded hi-fi, manufactured using recycled material, HIPS (high impact polystyrene).  Another example of a company using innovation in sustainable choices, and achieving financial results, can be found with the DuPont company.  A larger organization than Giraffe Innovation, worth $25 billion in 2008, DuPont have saved nearly $3 billion over a period of around 20 years as the result of reducing carbon emissions.  Since 1990 they have reduced their global greenhouse gas emissions measured as C02 equivalents by 72%.

Whether companies choose to invest their own time in embracing and initiating change or involve the guidance and expertise offered by Eco-Initiatives or consultancies, will be a decision to take and not ponder.  At Nordic materials we offer the opportunity to share our knowledge and permanent research about sustainable materials and processes through Material Days and Material Dossiers.   For more information regarding these services or an answer to your queries please email us or call directly to Nordic Materials headquarters +47 577 355 96.

photo: © 2009 Nordic Materials

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Growing Materials exhibition available now

From human kind’s initial forays into a world of materials to today’s hi-tech material advancements,   wood has been utilized as a material to hunt, survive, build and grow with.  It is testament to this material that even through today’s technological and scientific possibilities we are still using wood as a material and uncovering new properties in it that can improve everyday objects.   From strengthening of normally weak and unusable parts of a tree using techniques such as polymerization it is possible to breathe new life into what already exists and is readily available without a great environmental cost.

” The most recent research work makes it possible to use wood, and also other plant fibres, in ways and for purposes we could hardly have imagined even a few years ago.  Some of the noteworthy future technologies we can mention are heat-modified wood, welded wood, extrusible and sprayable wood-polymer composites, and supple or malleable wood.  All of these materials are presented in an exhibition entitled ‘Growing Materials’.  This is a unique opportunity for artists, designers and everyone who uses this multi-facetted material to discover it – or should I say to rediscover it.”
Jean-Marc Barbier, Design & Innovation Department, FCBA

Nordic Materials proudly presents the material exhibition ‘Growing Materials’, available to rent immediately and featuring more than 150 cutting edge innovative wood and wood fiber based materials.  Click here to find out more details on rental or other related Nordic Materials products that could feed your interests in new and innovative materials.

Name: Growing Materials exhibition
Exhibited: ID Forum, Denmark / DogA, Norway / Gave & Interior, Norway / Transplant, Norway
Period: 2008-2009

photos: © 2009 Nordic Materials

The Gentle Touch

We created Sens Unik as a Material Day that focused on how materials influence our senses.   The event took place earlier this year at our design and innovation center, Transplant, in the Sogn og Fjordane region of Norway  To stimulate the minds of participants and increase the sensory quality of their projects Sens Unik introduced participants to more than 50 materials and methods of integration of sensory criteria for the development of innovative products.  Contributors to this Material Day represented fields as diverse as art, food and product development. Below you can see a resume of the contributors and details of the actual event;

Lars Sture / ‘Artist’ A craft based artist of merit, Sture discussed his intimate relationship working and living with materials.  The unique materiality of combinations such as paper jewelery, sewn wood and more…

Ole John Berntsen / ‘Pastry Chef’ Voted best Pastry Chef in Norway in 2008, Berntsen created a unique degustation of unexpected tastes for participants and fellow contributors to explore and sample.

Stokke / ‘Manufacturers and Designers of Children’s furniture’ A global enterprise dedicated to the design, development and production of furniture for children.  Stokke transmitted their knowledge of senses by discussing how they apply it to their industrial process and how it relates to furniture.

Name: Sens Unik
Mission: Material Day
Client/s: Variér, FuggiBaggi, Zinc
Duration: one day
Delivery: workshop theme, speakers, visual communication of event
Click here to find out more details about “Material Days”.

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Colours that make a difference

In 2008 we proposed to Denmark’s innovation and design institute ID Forum a desire to create a unique round table event about aspects of design that went beyond just being another product.  As a result of our joint discussions, we developed and proposed a Material Day exploring the related themes of colours, textiles and packaging.  The Material Day was called Colour Matters and included established professional guest actors such as colour pallette specialists NCS and exciting Oslo based  design studio Sukker Design. The scheduled event included headline themes related to colour choice in design such as  ‘Do You Ever Get the Right Colour?’, ‘Cutting Edge Innovative Materials & Processes’, ‘We Give Colours a New Dimension!’ and ‘Let’s Put Colour in Context’.  Below is a brief resume of some of our collaborators for this event, the headline themes they communicated and the actual schedule;

NCS / ‘Do You Ever Get the Right Colour?’ One way to strengthen your brand is to address your target group with the exact right colour on products, packaging or marketing.  NCS provides world leading accuracy by offering you the right colour on any material, anywhere, anytime.

MERCK Pigments / ‘We Give Colours a New Dimension!’ Merck pigments for coatings, cosmetic, printing, plastic, security, food and drinks.  There are almost no limits to where you can apply and use their colour effect pigments.  Merck pigments make your product more unique

Nordic Materials / ‘Cutting Edge Innovative Materials & Proccesses’ At present Nano-technology allows for the implanting of high performance fragrance memories into textiles.  Now it is time for colours and more technical pigments. Nordic Materials  will examine the best current and future possibilities of these cross-over examples.  Nordic Materials founder Alexandre Bau and Material Girl Karina Siegmund  upgrade participants  knowledge and guide them from concept to product by brainstorming and coaching.

Name: Colour Matters
Mission: Material Day, Denmark
Client: ID Forum
Duration: two days
Delivery: workshop theme, speakers, visual communication of event
Click here to find out more details about “Material Days”.