A Material Archive is a physical and digital collection of material samples. It can be used as a tool to document, inspire, and share knowledge for design, research or academic purposes.
This material archive aims to inspire communication between humans and non-humans. It’s meant to tell stories and create knowledge.The samples exhibited can be anything but we are especially interested in sustainable materials and documenting experimental creating processes. The materials can be seen, touched, haptic perception gets heightened. Some materials can be smelled, heard or are even edible.
In a time where everything gradually becomes more digital it is important to keep reminding us of the material world that we exist in. Everything around us is built of some form of material. Engaging with our environment is not only how we understand the world and ourselves, but also how we can care for the environment and ourselves, as we too are part of this world.
Through the material archive, we can learn to not see ourselves as separate from this, but to interact and immerse ourselves with it, inviting a different way of imagining and understanding. Re-learn to not be afraid to touch and understand what surrounds you, such as texture and weight.
The material archive is a living system in the way that it's ever changing and evolving. Like the materials that form its base the archive the structure can be changed.
1. Bring a material with you (e.g., bio-materials, fabric, accessories, etc.).
2. Take a card and label your material.
3. Pin the card and material together onto the bag.
4. We will update the archive once a week and add your material to our website and the tiles on the wall.
Welcome to the Digital Material Archive. Here you'll find the digital collection of Mediamatic's materials, past and present.
History The foundation of this archive was created by Lingli Crucq. She created this with the material as the main focus of the archive.