MaterialDistrict Utrecht; the place where you discover new materials

Let's start philosophically: everything we make as humans, we design first. And with everything we design, we ask the question: what material do we choose? Materials therefore play an essential role in a designer's daily life. "If, as a designer, you want to keep your knowledge of materials up to date and know what's going on in your field, there's only one place to go," says Jeroen van Oostveen. "I'm talking about MaterialDistrict Utrecht, which takes place for the sixteenth time from March 8 to 10 in the Werkspoor Cathedral Utrecht."

If there is one moment in the year where matchmaking in the field of materials innovation takes place, this is MaterialDistrict Utrecht, the event where materials manufacturers show their latest products to (interior) architects and interior builders. It is the place to discover how the world can be made more sustainable and what new (building) materials have come onto the market. 

"We don't need to further deplete the earth," says Jeroen. "Today, therefore, there are an awful lot of sustainable and circular materials available. Moreover, developments are following each other at a rapid pace."

According to Jeroen, what are the most important trends at the moment? "Waste as a source material is becoming increasingly important and relevant. For example, our exhibitors make the most beautiful products from old jeans, coffee grounds and fine dust. I also see a strong increase in the supply of plant-based materials; hemp, flax, algae, straw, compost etc. as raw materials are becoming more and more 'common'. Recycling and wood construction are also clear trends that we are observing. All these developments will be on full display during MaterialDistrict."

Innovation Fund & Young Talent Program

"Many of these innovations are being developed by startups and young designers. In order to allow this group to also participate in our fair as exhibitors, we have established an innovation fund in 2019 in which 15% of our turnover will be 'deposited'. Startups that have developed material innovations within the themes of Circularity, Wellbeing and Energy Transition can receive grants on their participation from this pot. Our fund gives them the opportunity to present their innovations to the general public and get a jump start on their business. I am proud that we can fulfill this role for them."

Jeroen explains that a Young Talent Program was also recently launched "Twenty talented young designers who have just started their own studio or perhaps are still studying are invited by us to exhibit their work as one of 150 exhibitors."

Lectures & Material Exposition

So Jeroen is fully convinced that the intended exchange of knowledge will be just fine. "Because, I haven't even mentioned the new materials exhibition with 250 material samples that is also a permanent part of our fair. And, not to mention the two theaters where no less than 55 lectures are programmed." 

When asked if visitors could manage all this in one day, Jeroen replied. "I think you can get quite a bit, but fortunately the lectures can also be watched back online afterwards, in case you missed any of it."

Interested parties can order tickets at tickets.materialdistrict.com.