The way we think about materials is changing. Take, for example, Livinstudio’s recent project, which saw cultivated fungi grown on plastic waste – a material previously considered non-biodegradable and inedible. Or the development of 3D printing, which has brought about a huge rethink about the potential of print production. Every day we're seeing more and more technology transforming our conception of what materials can do.

Celebrating these developments is 'Material Alchemy', a new book exploring how materials will be used to shape our future environments. Its author Jenny Lee, from Studio Aikieu, has selected an exciting roster of talent to contribute, from Dutch designer Jólan van der Wiel to body architect Lucy McRae. Much of the book is taken up with ‘recipes’ that outline how various materials, like thermic sculptures and interactive paper, are made. Think; 'cookbook for chemicals'.

On top of this, there's also an accompanying app, which lets you uncover instructive videos by hovering your camera over images.

With 'Material Alchemy', Lee showcases the most innovative design approaches to 21st century materials. Rather than approaching the topic from a technological or industrial point of view, Lee explores material's intersection in the world of science, design and creative expression.