Frequently Asked Questions

MaterialDistrict is an independent platform for material innovation in the built environment. We publish news, curate materials and brands, create books and guides, organise MaterialDistrict Utrecht and develop material exhibitions and knowledge programmes.

Architects, interior designers, developers, engineers, contractors, public authorities, students, manufacturers and anyone else working with innovative materials for architecture, interiors and construction.

Yes. News, materials and brand profiles are open to everyone. A free account adds following channels, bookmarking and your weekly update. Insider Membership adds comparison, downloads, boards, the Insider insights library and member benefits.

Select “Join” and follow the registration steps. Once you have confirmed your email address you can complete your profile and start following channels.

Sign in and open your account settings to change your details. To request deletion, contact info@materialdistrict.com.

Channels are the themes we organise the platform around, from biobased materials to acoustics. Follow the ones relevant to your practice and everything new in them comes to you, on the platform and in your weekly update. Following is free with any account.

An Insider is a professional member of MaterialDistrict. Insider Membership is for architects, designers and other professionals who want in-depth content and member benefits alongside the open platform.

No. We help you discover materials and the companies behind them. Purchase, technical advice, availability and delivery are handled by the manufacturer or supplier.

Use the contact option on the material page. Your request goes to the brand or supplier, who is responsible for responding.

Yes. You can send a sample request to a brand from its material page, with any account. Whether a sample is available, and how quickly it arrives, is up to the supplier — telling them what your project needs makes a response far more likely. Some brands choose to accept sample requests from Insiders only.

Create an account or use the newsletter sign-up form. Every newsletter carries an unsubscribe link.

Possibly. Our editors have been adding relevant manufacturers and suppliers since 1998, so many brands have a profile they never created themselves. Search for your company name — if you find it, contact us and we will hand the profile over to you.

A Brand Membership gives your company and materials year-round visibility among professionals who are actively researching material solutions for architecture, interiors and construction.

Free is pay-per-material and suits a brand with one or two products to show. Basic includes five materials, Plus fifteen with full statistics and lead routing, and Partner is unlimited with featured placement. Compare the current features on the Brand Membership page.

Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors offering relevant materials or material-related products. Every submission is reviewed to protect the focus and quality of the platform.

Sign in to your brand account and use the tools in your dashboard.

Yes. Alongside memberships we offer editorial, newsletter, display, publication, exhibition and event opportunities. Contact our team to discuss what suits your launch.

Yes. Start-ups with circular material innovations can apply to the MaterialDistrict Innovation Fund for up to 75% towards participation in MaterialDistrict Utrecht, to a maximum of €3,500.

At MaterialDistrict Utrecht, our annual event, and at our curated material exhibitions. Current dates and locations are on the Events page.

No. Our material collections are presented through temporary exhibitions, events and partner locations.

Visit the MaterialDistrict Utrecht website for current participation options, or contact our team. Options include stands, tabletop presentations, curated material displays and programme partnerships.

In the Books section of this website. Each product page lists language, format, price and ordering information.