If your building interactive architecture, its obviously not just about understanding digital technology, you have to have an understanding of all the materials in construction that would lend themselves to interactive spaces. I’ve just got hold of this book Transmaterial: A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment and I’d recommended it to anyone interested in particularily interior design or interactive installation design. To support the book is an interesting website with the occasional material getting shown online. Here’s their blurb ‘With more than 200 materials, organized by category, described, pictured, and annotated with technical and sourcing information, this catalog is an essential tool for any architect or designer interested in keeping up with the rapid developments in the field of materials, looking for a source of inspiration for their designs, or just eager to get their hands on real materials in an effort to understand the incredibly innovative palette now available to us.’

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