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Re:Materialize

   

The Design Philosophy of Returning to Material Thinking

Re:Materialize advocates for a material-driven approach in the early stages of design, emphasising a "materials-first" philosophy. Through aesthetic reinterpretation and innovative applications of materials, it encourages designers to explore the essence and potential of materials, promoting sustainable and creative material design practices.

The showcase, jointly initiated by Rong Design Library and Design Shanghai, will invite interdisciplinary artists, designers, and material producers to create works inspired by the 2025/26 Material Trend Report’s three core themes. Following its debut at Design Shanghai in June 2025, it will be featured at Design Shenzhen with two exhibitions: Re:Materialize Luxury Residential Aesthetics and Re:Materialize Consumer Technology Aesthetics.

 

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2025/26 Material Trend Report

SENSORY SPECTRUM

SENSORY SPECTRUM

The world of AI has expanded human imagination, sparking excitement while also evoking a sense of disorientation between the virtual and the real. In this evolving landscape, people increasingly seek immersive and interactive experiences.

Design today goes far beyond form and aesthetics. Elements such as texture, sound, scent, and touch play a critical role in shaping how users connect with products and spaces. Engaging the senses can transform surface-level interactions into deeper, more emotional connections. Sound significantly influences our perception of space, scent strengthens memory, and atmosphere, while touch sparks curiosity and emotional resonance with materials. By creating sensory-rich materials that fully interact with the human body, we can foster more meaningful relationships between people, objects, and environments, restoring a sense of presence and authenticity.

MATERIAL PLANET

MATERIAL PLANET

Material Planet explores the diverse materials of our Earth from a place of respect, while also reflecting on how we might create and adopt circular, sustainable alternatives that can coexist harmoniously with the planet. At its core, the project celebrates not only the richness of natural resources, but also the innate creativity of humankind living on this shared Earth.

The conversation around "nature and human trace" is more relevant than ever. How can we reduce the impact of human activity on the planet? How can we use Earth’s resources more responsibly? These are no longer niche concerns or fleeting trends—they are part of a global mission that defines our time.

SILENCE TECHNOLOGY

SILENCE TECHNOLOGY

As homes grow smarter, our lifestyles become more convenient—but also more cluttered. One design response is to embrace subtlety: a pursuit of integration, simplicity, and visual harmony.

Technology is beginning to shed its overly digital, high-gloss appearance in favour of something more relaxed, natural, and quietly present. Clean visuals, soft curves, minimal lines, monochromatic tones, and touch-friendly micro-textures all contribute to a new aesthetic—one where innovation is seamlessly embedded into everyday life. Technology, without losing its sophistication, is learning to be silent.

2025  Rong Design Library x Design Shenzhen

Re:Materialize Consumer Technology Aesthetics

Re:Materialize Consumer Technology Aesthetics

Re:Materialize Luxury Residential Aesthetics

Re:Materialize Luxury Residential Aesthetics

2024 Highlights