Sound Materials is a definitive resource for architects, designers and creative professionals -- the first publication of its kind to catalogue over 100 sound absorbing materials with full colour images paired with inspiring real-world applications. Fundamental technical concepts are clearly and concisely presented to provide a general understanding of how materials absorb sound and how these materials are commonly used to reduce noise and reverberation, inform our sense of space, and improve communication in everyday environments. This book not only surveys an extensive range of materials past, present and emerging, but also highlights many exciting opportunities for future innovation and collaboration at the intersections of acoustical engineering, materials science, design and architecture. A special chapter is devoted to interviews with leading designers and engineers who work with sound absorbing materials in a variety of novel and innovative ways.