'Smart Sustainable Materials' – interzum exhibition

• “Smart Sustainable Materials” complements the wide range of exhibits on show at the innovation of interior piazza in Hall 4.2

• Smart and sustainable materials for furniture design and the construction industry of tomorrow

• Biological lightweight construction materials are the top trend

Also in 2013, the ‘innovation of interior’ piazza will once again be the creative centre at the interzum trade fair and, as such, a major focal point for interior decorators, architects and designers. This time the focus is on “Smart Sustainable Materials”, i.e. functional and sustainable materials, which, besides their outstanding quality, offer an added value that is often not instantly visible, or which are based on natural resources. This exhibition will present topics such as the efficient use of resources for the furniture making industry with biological lightweight construction materials and smart functions such as air cleaning materials.

By hosting the special exhibition, ‘innovation of interior,’ at the interzum trade fair in 2013, Koelnmesse is once again offering a sophisticated forum for architects, designers, planners and product developers. Separate from the other halls, this exhibition focuses on trend-setting materials, material visions and innovative light installations. This year, the exhibition will be complemented by the topic “Smart Sustainable Materials”, which is devoted to the presentation of multi-functional and sustainable materials. Materials expert, Dr. Sascha Peters, who is responsible for planning this exhibition, explains the relevance of this topic: “We are on the cusp of restructuring our current product culture. The use of sustainable and smart materials with integral functionalities is set to increase immensely for architects and designers.” The Managing Director of Haute Innovation, an agency for materials and technology in Berlin, is a specialist in multi-functional materials, and by way of further information, offers interzum visitors the chance to attend daily presentations at the “Materials & Nature” piazza in Hall 6.

The complexity of the requirements exacted today, for example in furniture making and interior design, calls more than ever for solutions that greatly transcend the qualities traditionally offered. What are known as smart materials with added benefits such a functional added value or reactive features provide the answer. Advances in nanotechnology and bionics research make it possible for new functional materials to replace proven materials and offer both the furniture and construction industry undreamt-of potentials.