Material ConneXion
60 Madison Avenue
Tel: 212-842-2050
Designer: Imrey Culbert

Relocating its New York office to the second floor of a landmarked building at 60 Madison Avenue, the materials consulting group Material ConneXion has expanded to a space twice its previous size to handle a growing need for its services. Designed by the New York firm Imrey Culbert, the 12,000-square-foot space maintains the Materials Library as the literal and symbolic heart of the office. This collection of 4,500 materials—which adds between 40 and 60 new items monthly—is designed to freely connect to adjacent spaces, from the conference room to the studio, exhibition area, and offices. Naturally, the designers drew on the library’s many intriguing materials, looking to products that demonstrated a commitment to design, new technology, and the environment. The final cut included Terramai’s World Mix sustainably-engineered wood flooring, reclaimed from shipping crates; PVC-free and 100 percent recyclable Lees carpet by the Mohawk Group; Erco’s energy-efficient Emanon lighting; and cradle-to-cradle office furniture by Haworth. Since its launch in 1997, Material ConneXion has become an important resource for designers in New York, and also counts locations in Bangkok, Cologne, Daegu, and Milan. The center is open by weekday appointment only, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.