Gert Staal, Simone de Waart, Maia KenneyNew Material Award 2009-2018

Over the past ten years, material development and innovation has evolved by leaps and bounds. From a relatively minor subject within design research, it has become an increasingly fundamental aspect of technological innovation, sustainability, and more.

Launched in 2009, the New Material Award aimed to bring more attention to an aspect of design that was increasingly developing, yet remained outside the professional field of vision. From 2014, the public conversation received more attention, and the development of an international material network became the focus. Now, there is a greater appreciation of perspectives on the development and application of sustainable materials.