The variety of material in furniture design is almost endless – ranging from a chair made out of papier-mâché to space-tested materials such as carbon fibre or aramid. Wood, metal and plastic are among the most important groups of materials used in a variety of different forms and combinations. The Vitra Schaudepot Lab on the lower ground floor of the Vitra Schaudepot gives an insight into this diversity and the development processes that range from the initial design concept to a finished product. This development often begins in the designer's studio and is based on drawings, models and experiments. However, the respective production methods – whether they be in an industrial or craft context – characterise the form and details of an object. In the extensive Materials Library, visitors can learn about and tangibly experience many different kinds of materials.