The next report in Material ConneXion’s insightful series on material trends focuses on the ultra-contemporary phenomena of expressionism among new generations of creators. Following on from their Eunomia report — which revealed insights into designers’ renewed passion for nature as a primary source of inspiration —  their next release is entitled “Creative Self-Exploration”, and covers the rising trend for fluidity and dynamism with regards to everything from identity and aesthetics to occupation and innovation.

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Illustrated with vibrant examples of creative individualism, the new trends “reflect  a  growing  aspiration,  especially  among GEN Z and Alpha, to explore all the components that make up ‘the self’, from physical appearance to existential depth and emotions, overlooking established norms.” They also point towards a new wave of entrepreneurship, with young people breaking free from conventional occupations. Instead, they are harnessing the maturing landscape of social media to create their own opportunities, as well as emerging realms such as the metaverse.

Tiktok Headquarters by Gensler, 9th Annual A+Awards Finalist in the Large Office Interiors category.

In terms of architecture and design, these trends are manifested in avant-garde projects that challenge traditional ideas pertaining to the function, program and typology of buildings. One example is the “Tiktok Beauty Hub”. As described in the report, “Tiktokers now have a creative hub in the heart of LA, hosted by Fenty Beauty, Rhianna’s brand. The concept behind this collaborative space is to help influencers on the platform by offering a fully stocked ‘Make-up Pantry’ in a camera-ready,  creative space as well as community building amongst participants.”

One of a number of innovation concepts in the report is named “Phygital Experiences”, highlighting new investments in “marvelous, magical worlds and bewitching inspirations that boost the imagination” and “immersive and multisensorial experiences that create the sensation of lucid dreaming.” This form of design, with its emphasis on interactivity, engagement and dynamic mediums is undoubtedly permeating architecture and design — one such example is the work of Turkish digital artist, Refik Anadol, whose installation “Quantum Memories” was a recent A+Awards Finalist in the Architecture +New Technology category.

Quantum Memories by Refik Anadol, 9th Annual A+Awards Finalist in the Architecture +New Technology category.

In the report’s ‘Design Ideations’ section, a series of multichromatic mood boards visualizes how the rise of creative self-exploration can be translated into real-world spaces, textures, materials, products and beyond. The bold range of colors, forms and finishes on display encapsulates the overriding takeaway from this report — that emerging creatives are not concerned in the slightest with the social or aesthetic “rules” of prior generations. In fact, they embrace the unconventional, and revel in its unlimited creative potential.

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Top image: 100 colors no.35 by emmanuelle moureaux architecture + design, 9th Annual A+Awards Finalist in the Architecture +Color category.