Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design has become the home of
a library of innovative and sustainable materials from New York City-based Material
ConneXion, a materials consultant library of the latest advancements for architecture
and design. Kendall’s Material ConneXion Library contains 341 material samples and
is temporarily housed near Gallery 114 on Kendall’s first floor during renovation
of the Federal Building. It will move to its permanent location there in Spring 2012.
“The addition of the Material ConneXion Library to Kendall’s resources is a significant statement of the college’s dedication to providing our students the best of the latest new materials available to the architecture and design community,” says KCAD President Oliver Evans. “The Materials Library will offer rewarding experiences in on-site research as Kendall’s students discover its significantly unique collection.”
Founded by retailer, author and former Steelcase Vice President George Beylerian, Material ConneXion serves as a resource for design disciplines ranging from packaging to fashion to landscape.
The eight categories of Material ConneXion resources are carbon-based materials, cement-based materials, ceramics, glass, metals, natural materials and polymers, as well as processes. Designed for use by architects, artists and other professionals, this collection will also serve the needs of Kendall students preparing for careers in their specialties.
Kendall is the only college in West Michigan to house a materials library. Other Material ConneXion libraries include those based in Bangkok, Cologne, Milan and Daegu, South Korea, along with an Innovation Lab in Haworth’s headquarters in Holland, Mich.