Texture and materials
IBM has always served as a medium between mankind and machine. This dynamic can be embodied in everything from the design of our products to our choice of materials. The contrast of the organic and engineered, soft and hard, warm and cool, or light and dark, creates visual tension and hierarchy in our experiences. Explore how provocative choices in material or texture can create drama within the environment—or serve to focus the attendee in critical moments.
Visual inspiration
The images below illustrate a broad range of material choices that support a strong sense of contrast. These principles apply to both permanent architecture, temporary event spaces, fixtures, furniture, and signage. Consider how light, projection, content, and digital technologies can influence—or be influenced by—material choices.
![Interior shot of wide space with wooden bench showing contrast between cool and warm materials Interior shot of wide space with wooden bench showing contrast between cool and warm materials](/design/event/static/713be877f04a516b50dc3d4f0df61004/2e753/contrast.jpg)
Contrast between cool and warm materials
![Architecture with translucent materials Architecture with translucent materials](/design/event/static/1c982c4dab8fd73d8c13083d48a2b82b/2e753/translucent.jpg)
Translucent fabric and mesh
![Detail of wooden pattern Detail of wooden pattern](/design/event/static/865f34af5e484551d9427a454fa9c5b9/2e753/detail-top.jpg)
![Architecture with wooden pattern Architecture with wooden pattern](/design/event/static/592e38f8139e51ff5c80eff9b3bdbe73/2e753/natural-wood-example.jpg)
Content as texture
![Details of lights on brace Details of lights on brace](/design/event/static/7611090fff7ccf94194a6c6f7b8a8e87/a8fee/as-light.jpg)
Light as texture
![White spheres in front of color gradient background White spheres in front of color gradient background](/design/event/static/39e66529f7660caca2d0d83bc117f2db/2e753/colorgradiation.jpg)
Color gradation
![Detail of net in metal frame Detail of net in metal frame](/design/event/static/6f400c53657828ffba844f29dca8c86f/2e753/industry-references.jpg)
Industry reference
![Interior architecture with perforated material Interior architecture with perforated material](/design/event/static/68462ae861c55df4a2f5503eee0d502a/2e753/monolithic-use.jpg)
Monolithic use of pattern
![Event example with signage on different material Event example with signage on different material](/design/event/static/197b674ca0b9c66b2c0950b39b5afe3a/2e753/example.jpg)
Material palette
Select a contrast of material surfaces. Use materials that are translucent, light and airy: scrim fabrics, matte white surfaces, frosted and transparent glass. Combine these with materials that are bold, tactile and contemporary. Use metal and organic materials, such as natural hardwoods.
![Close-up and in-use examples of fabric Close-up and in-use examples of fabric](/design/event/static/ce41483e801dc931008d17efeb27f642/2e753/fabric.jpg)
Fabric
![Close-up and in-use examples of aluminum Close-up and in-use examples of aluminum](/design/event/static/fccdb96e6b4e3537bf4bd4d7bc20bb56/2e753/aluminum.jpg)
Aluminum
![Close-up and in-use examples of mesh Close-up and in-use examples of mesh](/design/event/static/5bff217344d345c125374bcf47c8a693/2e753/mesh.jpg)
Mesh
![Close-up and in-use examples of perforated metal Close-up and in-use examples of perforated metal](/design/event/static/f3d1e90287aafbc0d2f62e8f8498a2e4/2e753/perforated-metal.jpg)
Perforated metal
![Close-up and in-use examples of plexiglass Close-up and in-use examples of plexiglass](/design/event/static/38aaf1a06b75b59859192e3ec369a48e/2e753/plexiglass.jpg)
Plexiglass
![Close-up and in-use examples of blackened metal Close-up and in-use examples of blackened metal](/design/event/static/3f082122bfeabe1c6fb68dcee207bfd9/2e753/blackened-metal.jpg)
Blackened metal
![Close-up and in-use examples of natural wood Close-up and in-use examples of natural wood](/design/event/static/b2dc4e017eaef51710717da9395b9674/2e753/natural-wood.jpg)
Natural wood
![Close-up and in-use examples of blackened wood Close-up and in-use examples of blackened wood](/design/event/static/36afd027b126e63f60cefb351d3156a7/2e753/blackened-wood.jpg)
Blackened wood