Exploring Materia 2.0: Milan's Latest Material Library Unveiled - A Goldmine of Ideas for Design Enthusiasts
Materia 2.0, a new material library in Milan, Italy, is a significant interdisciplinary hub dedicated to the research, study, and promotion of high-end architectural and design materials. Located in Porta Nuova, the library covers 500 square meters and houses over 1,000 material samples, making it the largest architectural material library in Italy[1][3].
The goal of Materia 2.0 is to expand the largest material library in Italy while providing architects, designers, and industry professionals with a comprehensive resource for selecting materials that balance performance, aesthetic value, and sustainability. The library serves as a pivotal reference point for manufacturers and designers looking for cutting-edge sustainable solutions and novel material applications[1][3].
Materia 2.0 is not a commercial venture but rather a tool for experimentation, offering a curated selection of materials chosen for their fine craftsmanship, innovative qualities, and Made in Italy integrity. The library's immersive exhibition spaces showcase materials as furniture and experimental installations, featuring companies like Marca Corona, a Sassuolo-based ceramics brand founded in 1741, and CP Parquet, a Venetian flooring company[1].
The project, unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025, also includes companies with strong in-house production values, such as Zava, a metal workshop that creates dramatic, sculptural lighting pieces. Some of the companies showcased in Materia 2.0, like Barzaghi Salotti, are from the famed design district north of Milan[1].
Regarding sustainability, Materia 2.0 plays a crucial role by facilitating access to environmentally conscious materials and technologies. The library encourages innovative experimentation and research in materials, emphasizing sustainable practices amid growing ecological concerns such as urban heat islands and climate change[3].
In terms of innovation, Materia 2.0 fosters cutting-edge developments in materials technology by serving as an experimental platform where new materials and combinations can be studied and integrated into architectural and design practices. The library's extensive variety of materials encourages creative and technical exploration, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific advances[3].
Finally, emotional connection is an important but often understated dimension of Materia 2.0’s significance. By offering a tactile library experience, it enhances designers' ability to choose materials not only for functional or environmental criteria but also for their sensory qualities. This supports the creation of spaces and objects that resonate emotionally with occupants, contributing to more meaningful, human-centered design outcomes[3].
Materia 2.0's visual impact is stunning, with 1,200 samples, 5,000 display pieces, and a catalogue of over 15,000 products arranged like books on a library shelf. The materials displayed in these spaces can be used for various purposes, such as forming tables and bookshelves. The library includes information panels and QR codes for technical specifications and variants[1][3].
To stay updated on Materia 2.0's daily digest of inspiration, escapism, and design stories, subscribe to its newsletter[1]. The address of Materia 2.0 is Via Marco Polo 9, Milan. The library aims to become a center of excellence for research, design, and interdisciplinary exchange[1].
References: [1] Materia 2.0. (2025). Materia 2.0 Milano. Retrieved from https://materia2puntozero.it/ [3] Materia 2.0. (2025). About. Retrieved from https://materia2puntozero.it/about/
- Visitors to Materia 2.0 can explore home-and-garden materials alongside architectural ones, as the library's immersive exhibition spaces feature furniture, tables, and bookshelves made from over 1,200 samples.
- Balancing sustainability, aesthetics, and performance is key for industry professionals, and Materia 2.0, with its extensive library of high-end materials, offers a lifestyle resource for both architects and homeowners seeking cutting-edge, environmentally conscious solutions.
