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Being Material
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
An editorial project that combines art, science, and technology in an interactive publishing experience. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, printed and digital content are seamlessly integrated.
The “Being Material” project represents an innovative exploration at the intersection of art, science, and technology, offering a hybrid editorial experience that merges the physical and digital dimensions. Presented as both a book and a complementary website, the project leverages cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to transform reading into an immersive and interactive experience.
Through interaction with the physical book, readers can unlock dynamic digital content—including videos, music, images, and multimedia materials—that enrich and deepen their understanding of the topics addressed.
Being Material investigates the unexpected convergences in the practices of artists, designers, scientists, and engineers who work with programmable materials, self-assembling structures, 3D and 4D printing technologies, wearable devices, and bio-inspired design. The project highlights how these figures are redefining the boundaries of materiality through practices that merge aesthetics and technological innovation.
Internationally recognized for its experimental approach, Being Material was awarded the AIGA 50 Books Award in 2019 for its innovative design and concept.