Materiality is a recurring and central issue in architecture. This book explains how materials are " constructed" , how they become cultural substances. Metamorphism investigates the complex relationship between natural materials and technology, science and sensuality.

Gottfried Semper ( 8 3– 879) made the notion of Stoffwechsel the key element of his theory. With this concept he intended to explain how a structural form originally bound to a method of processing is transferred from one material to another, liberated from its original function.

For the first time, the book investigates the subject from a historic point of view whilst reflecting on current interdisciplinary research. Examples from Aalto to Zumthor illustrate the specific aspects of historic and contemporary material concepts.