From September 28 to October 1, Matter—a materials specification, consultancy, and management company—will present an exhibition in Valencia, opposite the nude Salon in Pavilion 6, inviting visitors to discover, touch, and rethink materials… while offering a preview of how the company supports every project from the very beginning: from specification to sourcing and managing the materials required.

At Hábitat, Matter will showcase an exhibition built around a simple idea: the materials we have used for centuries—wood, stone, clay, concrete, and metal—are not immutable resources but living agents that evolve, hybridize, and reinvent themselves to meet the demands of their time. Curated through the insight gained from daily collaboration with materials and manufacturers, the exhibition is designed to let visitors see and experience these innovations firsthand.

The exhibition responds to a broader concern: creating a material culture that is fit for its time. It offers a thoughtful perspective on the evolution of the materials we specify—highlighting the new solutions they provide and the added value of emerging material innovations—within a context that calls for reflection. Every year, more than 100 billion tonnes of materials are consumed, yet less than 7% re-enter a circular economy, while nearly 80% of a project’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase.

It is at this stage—when material choices are made—that Matter positions itself as a trusted partner, translating innovation into informed, viable decisions grounded in expertise. Through its consultancy services, the company also researches and shares knowledge about the latest materials developed by the industry to meet today’s needs, helping clients stay at the forefront of innovation.

More than a catalogue, the exhibition reflects Matter’s longstanding commitment to making innovation more accessible, encouraging critical reflection, and driving progress. It will organize materiality around three themes—origin, technology, and reuse—allowing visitors to touch, compare, and understand how the same material can take on very different identities depending on how it is developed and applied.

As Natalia Ojeda, Matter’s Communications Director, explains: “At Matter, we work to drive material innovation in architecture and interior design projects. We compare options with a critical eye and connect manufacturers to develop new materials that bring each project’s vision to life. In this way, we make it easier to specify the most suitable materials for every project’s needs.“