Materiology - Daniel Kula & Elodie Ternaux

Added : 14 Oct 2011 | Visits : 1025 | Average votes : %

The authors describe the writing of this book as being both pleasurable and frustrating. Such is also the case with the process of the selection of materials for a designer. While there is pleasure in researching new materials, it is frustrating when one comes across technical jargon that makes application difficult. ‘Materiology’, aimed at all creators, attempts to aid the designer make an informed choice of material.

This manual is divided into four main sections. The first section, Families of Materials covers the intrinsic nature of different families of materials, from the traditional such as Wood to the contemporary such as Plastics. The information is presented in the form of simple facts that would be easy-reading for even the most uninitiated reader but perhaps it is a little too simplified for a designer with some experience and knowledge. One also wishes that the high-quality diagrams and tables had been supplemented with photographs of real-life applications of these materials. Catalogue of Materials forms the major chunk of the book and can be used as a comprehensive reference guide to 110 materials.

The information is succinct and the most distinctive feature is the language of graphic symbols developed which allows the reader a quick peek into the possible industries where the particular material can be effectively utilised. Processes delves into the various techniques and technologies that are available for the transformation of different materials. From the humble Cutting to the hi-tech Digital Processes, each is described along with their applicability and advantages/ disadvantages. The last section, Think Different is a surprise culmination to what is largely a factual manual; it consists of a range of short essays that discuss a number of varied issues within the field of Materials today. One small complaint though: while the index mentions Think Different as being a section ‘that gathers a series of theoretical articles’, the individual essays are not separately credited to either the authors or any outside contributors.

The highest quality of graphics has been used throughout the book, which is almost devoid of photographs. Using only three colours throughout, black, white and yellow, the diagrams and tables produced are made easy to grasp and simultaneously visually appealing. While one understands that addressing the issue of procurement would automatically render the book region-specific, it is a hurdle that would face any designer wishing to move ahead from the book. However, ‘Materiology’ is primarily intended as a handy manual and is undoubtedly well-researched. The authors at the outset have stated clearly that this book is not for the specialist and therefore if the information at times seems superficial and patchy, it is because of the larger aim of keeping it simple.