Savannah College of Art and Design

Above: Kenn Busch of Material Intelligence, speaking to third-year interior design students at SCAD.

SCAD Interior Materials Classes Presentation, 9 November 2017

Composite Wood-Based Decorative Surfaces – Engineered Alternatives for Rare and Fragile Natural Resources

Material Intelligence was invited to present to several materials classes in SCAD’s interior design department. Students were treated to a “lunch and learn” experience, where they actively participated in learning alternative decorative surfaces for furniture and interiors and imagined new solutions for real-world material and design challenges. 

The presentation, “Composite Wood-Basted Decorative Surfaces – Engineered Alternatives for Rare and Fragile Natural Resources,” focused on the positive properties of particleboard and MDF, thermally fused laminates, 3 dimensional laminates, high-pressure laminates, and decorative papers and foils. 

“Learning to connect with young designers is key to the future of smart design and the responsible use of and preservation of our resources,” says Kenn Busch, founder of Material Intelligence. “Not only are these students the next generation of materials specifiers; they represent the next generation of consumers.” 

Keith’s lecture was informative, engaging, and educational. The material was presented at the right level for my third-year students. He didn’t bore students with too many technical details, but put materials in a global context with his observations from international exhibitions. His coverage of projects created by students and young designers from around the world helped bring students into the conversation.
 
Kenn kept the class tuned in, and handled students’ questions well.

Laura Tremko, NCIDQ, IIDA

2016–2018 Adjunct Professor of Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

Materials Covered in the SCAD Presentation

HPL

The granddaddy of decorative laminates, HPL has proven itself over decades of use, and still offers more design options than any other material. 

See the HPL Guide

Decorative Paper Foils

Found often on vertical surfaces and RTA furniture, no other material is capable of the resolution and realism of decorative papers and foils.

See the Decorative Paper Foils Guide

TFL

TFL – thermally fused laminate – combines durability, design, and incredible textures for commericial and residential furniture and panels. 

See the TFL Guide

3DL

Durable, easy to clean, 3D laminates are a perfect solution for healthcare, education, and retail. 

See the 3DL Guide