Scientific discoveries of the past decade have embraced the study of micro-molecular structures and the potential for new atomic arrangements. As we deepen our understanding of hybrid composites and nanotechnology, materials and coatings are becoming lighter, stronger and imbued with advantageous properties. These advances in materials technologies are allowing architects, industrial designers and product designers to think beyond the usual properties of commonly available materials, leading to design innovation stemming from a molecular level. Stylus investigates.