The first round table meetings entitled "Material Tables by Material Sense" took place during the Dutch Design Week 2006 in Eindhoven. Over 40 participants working in the field of design, research and for manufacturers shared their knowledge and ideas on materials and materials development. In mixed teams of designers, artists, engineers, scientists, and editors there was an open discussion of materials issues. These issues were discussed in two sessions, focusing on materials brought along by participants, the introductions of guest speakers on materials and their applications, and answering "question cards".
In the comfortable and informal ambience of "de Witte Tafel" the day got started with an introduction by Simone de Waart about Material Sense, and the content and approach of the Material Tables meetings.
In the morning session, cases were introduced by interesting speakers who talked about new manufacturing technologies and soft technology research:

B-light technique by Dirk Vens, managing director from Curana BV
Skin project, by Lucy McRae, researcher from Philips Design
Lightfader lighttiles, by designer Rogier Sterk
Innovative Textiles by Jacqueline Janssen, designer at Innofa BV

The afternoon session on sustainable, natural materials and concepts kicked-off with a number of inspiring stories:
"100% natural", on sustainable materials by Ursula Tischner, director of Econcept
Horsehair weaving, by artist/designer Marianne Kemp
Barkcloth project, by René Malcorp, artist/designer AND
Recycled plastics by Rick Claassen, graduate Design Academy and prize winner Dyson award 2006

Answers to the following questions were found:
How is it possible to set up a profitable business that contributes to environmental issues in developing countries?
How can materials get a new life and give new products great market potential?
What kind of promotion do materials need?
How will creative materials ideas eventually result in good products, and what do we need to get there?
If 100% natural and cyclic materials are so wonderful, how can we increase their usage?

Besides the discussion on the possible answers to the questions that came up, the teams arrived at interesting ideas for project proposals. At the end of the day, the two best ideas with the most potential for further development were selected by the participating teams. The round table meetings turned into an inspiring and fruitful event, thanks to the involvement of all the participants who shared their ideas and were able to connect with other areas of expertise.

We would also like to thank the sponsors who supported this first edition of Material Tables:
City of Eindhoven, Loods 5 Ontwerpers, Restaurant "de Witte Tafel".