At present, material energies – that is, thermal variation, air velocity, spectra of light and electricity – remain a largely untapped source of innovation and inspiration for architects. Commonly relegated to the production of ambience – ‘moods’ or ‘effects’ – energies tend to be explored, in a design context, as preconceived, rule–of–thumb interior comfort zones or as a set of measurables for determining ‘energy–efficient’ buildings. Energies looks at ways of elevating these materials from their dependence on surfaces and services, and in so doing, deploying them as building materials in themselves, thus redefining our physical boundaries through a wholly new means of spatial organisation. •The publication propels ‘material energies’ forward as the catalyst for design innovation focused on creating new physical boundaries and thresholds. •The issue cuts across and engages multiple disciplines and scales including architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. ...