An exhibition showcasing the year in material innovation is now open at the New York City headquarters of Material ConneXion. The dynamic installation, which will be on view through April 29, 2011, presents a look at the innovative solutions recognized by Material ConneXion's second annual MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year. Taken together, this extraordinary group of materials and processes-which includes this year's Material of the Year winner, Novacem's Carbon Negative Cement-will change how we design in the year ahead, from products and packaging to architecture.
![Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award 2011 Exhibition](/images/article/20911/Material_ConneXion_MEDIUM_Award_2011_Exhibition_03.jpg)
![Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award 2011 Exhibition](/images/article/20911/Material_ConneXion_MEDIUM_Award_2011_Exhibition_04.jpg)
![Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award 2011 Exhibition 01](/images/article/20911/Material_ConneXion_MEDIUM_Award_2011_Exhibition_01.jpg)
![Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award 2011 Exhibition 02](/images/article/20911/Material_ConneXion_MEDIUM_Award_2011_Exhibition_02.jpg)
"The year in material innovation reveals a continuing drive for sustainability," said Dr. Andrew H. Dent, Vice President of Library & Materials Research at Material ConneXion. "Whether it's through a clever substitution of natural materials, improvements to existing ideas, or a manipulation of high-tech processes, these tougher economic times are seeing a turn to simple, creative and powerful innovations that will help lessen our impact on the planet."
![Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award 2011 Exhibition](/images/article/20911/Material_ConneXion_MEDIUM_Award_2011_Exhibition_05.jpg)
When sourced wisely and implemented correctly, this year's winner and the nine honorable mentions offer numerous ways to better the environment, whether by increasing recyclability and biodegradability, employing clean energy, purifying the air, improving performance and efficiency, reducing material usage, or incorporating renewable resources and waste materials. The MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year exhibition highlights the remarkable capabilities of these materials while giving the public an opportunity to see and interact with some of today's most influential materials and processes.