Innovation lab has developed the first screen of transparent concrete. “The screen consists of concrete with embedded optical fibres, arranged as pixels, capable of transmitting natural as well as artificial light. The light-admission points are on the back of the screen where the fibres are positioned. The light, or the picture, will then be displayed in pixels on the front. The light source can be a projector emitting either pictures or film footage. In principle, the screen is capable of acting as a window since – owing to the combination of the screen concept’s light-absorption and optical cables – it has a capacity for transmitting natural light.”

The concept might well influence building industry, architecture, design and other business areas.

“Is it possible to let a first sketch become an object, to design directly onto space?

The four FRONT members have developed a method to materialise free hand sketches. They make it possible by using a unique method where two advanced techniques are combined. Pen strokes made in the air are recorded with Motion Capture and become 3D digital files; these are then materialised through Rapid Prototyping into real pieces of furniture.”

I think the technology and process is an extremely interesting experiment, the only question I have is whether firts sketches should be considered finished objects of design?

“FutureFactories is about the digital generation of one-off products. It explores some nether ground between the hand crafted (digitally) and the industrially produced. In Holy Ghost Lionel has taken Philippe Stark’s iconic Louis Ghost chair and fitted an alternative back and arms, “I’m not suggesting that the design needs improving” states Dean, “I am pointing out the creative possibilities for adaptation and personalisation that digital technologies offer”. The starting point for each new back is a virtual design template that is constantly rebuilding itself in real-time. No two iterations are the same and every hybrid chair manufactured is unique. The chair back, resembling an alien, organic, button-leather, acts like a sprung mattress with an interconnect network of nylon springs. Two chairs have been commissioned by Fast-UK and Folly for the exhibition ‘Perimeters, Boundaries, and Borders’. Produced in partnership with 3T RPD Ltd, their manufacture demanded some of the largest machines laser sintering available.”

kirei is dedicated to bringing beautiful natural materials to the market, using sustainable and non toxic materials without sacrificing design. their first product kirei board “is an engineered panel product constructed from the stalks of the Sorghum plant grown around the world for food. The stalks left over after harvest are heat-pressed with a non-toxic adhesive to form lightweight, strong, unique Kirei Board.” iannone:sanderson has produced several pieces of furniture using kirei including the beautiful signature 2.0 cabinet shown above.

Renewed materials has developed an innovative new recycled composite product called alkemi which is created by binding aluminium scrap with resin resulting in a striking new solid surface material. It comes in a variety of colours, patterns and can be custom shaped, sanded, buffed to fit a variety of applications including countertops, tables, sinks, and tiles. It is visually compelling, definitely worth checking out.

ttutra is an environmentally friendly material made up of thousands of pieces of recycled glass, allowing the designer an infinite range of possibilities. award winning eight inch is a sustainable design company and sole suppliers of ttutra, formed by gary nicholson furniture/industrial designer.

“ttutra is real jewel of a material, beautiful, hard wearing, stain and slip resistant, low maintenance and 85% recycled material. what other material gives you all that and comes in an infinite palette of colours?”

concrete canvas is a multi award winning project designed by two london engineers, that they hope will revolutionize the current methods of providing emergency shelter. ‘the building in a bag’ will provide quick accommodation in emergency situations as it is a “rapidly deployable hardened shelter that requires only air and water for construction. it can be deployed by one person without any training.”

ply is an undulating solid wood panel made of thin birch veneer. it is so thin it folds as easily as fabric, and the wavy surface absorbs sound well. designed by Jouko Karkkainen a finnish designer, they can be used for walls and ceiling, as well as furniture.

graphic concrete uses a patented technology to produce etched concrete surfaces. using their unique technology they can produce cost effective and high quality production of textures, raster patterns, sharp images, works of art, and written text on a concrete surface, offering new and innovative possibilities for use in architecture and interior design.

a fascinating and innovative material invented by hungarian architect aron losonczi, Litracon - light transmitting concrete with translucent characteristics is made from a mixture of optical glass fibre and fine concrete, opening up many possibilities for use by architects. light passes through the wall illuminating the material and shadows are transmitted in precise shapes. very cool product with endless design possibilities.