Choosing Architectural Materials

Summary

This video explores the critical role of material selection in architectural design, emphasizing how materials shape the form, narrative, and experience of a building. The architect walks through five key categories influencing material choices: physical characteristics, context, experiential qualities, cost, and manufacturing. Drawing from the design of a coastal encampment, the architect highlights how materials like cedar shingles, concrete, and aluminum are carefully selected for their aesthetic, durability, and functional properties. The process is presented as a blend of artistry and practicality, where materials serve to connect the building to its environment while meeting long-term goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Material selection in architecture is a form of storytelling, shaping the narrative and experience of a building.
• 😀 Architects prioritize materials based on physical characteristics such as weight, porosity, and strength to support design concepts.
• 😀 Aesthetic qualities, including color, texture, and finish, play a significant role in material selection and the overall building design.
• 😀 Understanding material properties is as crucial for architects as understanding proportions or physics.
• 😀 The material palette of a project is deeply informed by its context, including physical, cultural, and functional considerations.
• 😀 Contextual contrasts, such as warm and cool materials, help create dynamic and meaningful architectural experiences.
• 😀 The experiential qualities of materials, including emotional associations, should be considered when selecting materials for interior and exterior spaces.
• 😀 Material costs, including acquisition, shipping, installation, and maintenance, are critical factors to consider to stay within budget.
• 😀 Sustainability and environmental impact are key considerations, especially when choosing local versus imported materials.
• 😀 A thoughtful approach to material selection involves balancing all categories—physical properties, aesthetics, cost, context, and manufacturing—based on the specific design goals.
• 😀 A successful material palette results from careful observation of the environment and the intention to create a durable, meaningful structure that fits its setting.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of material selection in architecture?

Material selection in architecture is primarily about choosing materials that support the design concept, define the building's form, and ensure its functionality. The right materials help convey a narrative, create a certain experience, and ensure the building is durable and suited to its environment.

What are the five categories architects consider when selecting materials?

The five categories are: 1) Physical characteristics, including weight, strength, and texture; 2) Context, which involves environmental, cultural, and functional factors; 3) Experiential qualities, like emotional and sensory reactions to materials; 4) Costs, covering material costs, installation, and maintenance; and 5) Manufacturing, which looks at production methods, environmental impact, and material life span.

How does the architect prioritize physical characteristics when selecting materials?

The architect often starts with the physical characteristics of materials, such as strength, texture, and durability. In the case of the project discussed, aesthetics were prioritized over other physical concerns like porosity or density. For instance, the architect chose dark-stained cedar shingles for their visual impact and harmony with the surrounding forest, even though other materials could have been more technically ideal.

Why was cedar shingles chosen for the exterior of the building?

Cedar shingles were chosen because of their ability to blend naturally with the forest environment. Their dark color recedes visually, helping the building to 'disappear' into the surroundings. The texture of the shingles also creates natural shadows, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building. Additionally, cedar is rot-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a suitable choice for a coastal location.

What role does context play in material selection for this project?

Context plays a crucial role in how materials are selected, considering factors like exposure to the elements, proximity to other materials, and cultural or historical relevance. For this project, the materials were chosen to respond to the building's coastal and forested environment, with careful consideration of both exterior durability and how the materials would feel in relation to the landscape.

What is the 'truth in material' approach and how was it applied in this project?

The 'truth in material' approach refers to using a material for its inherent properties and exposing it in its natural state rather than concealing it. In this project, concrete was left unfinished to showcase its raw beauty, and board-formed concrete was used for retaining walls to reference the texture of wood, connecting the building to the forest.

How does the architect balance aesthetic qualities with practical concerns in material selection?

The architect strikes a balance between aesthetics and practicality by prioritizing visual impact and emotional resonance, while also considering factors like maintenance, durability, and cost. For example, the architect chose a zinc-colored painted aluminum roof, which provided a streamlined look and low-maintenance benefits, while also responding to the building's overall design and context.

What was the reasoning behind choosing porcelain tile for entryways and connectors?

Porcelain tile was chosen for its durability and low environmental impact, as it is made from recycled materials. Its ability to withstand soiled foot traffic made it ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways. Additionally, the cleft finish of the tile provided a contrast against the smoother, oiled wood floors, enhancing the tactile experience of the space.

How does cost influence material selection in architectural design?

Cost plays a significant role in material selection, influencing both the choice of materials and the scale of their use. In the project, the architect had to balance the aesthetic goals with the client's budget. For example, the architect initially considered a more expensive, intricate shingle coursing but opted for a more standard version to stay within budget. Costs also include installation and long-term maintenance, which can sometimes outweigh the initial material price.

What was the environmental impact consideration in the choice of decking material?

The architect initially favored local cedar for the decking due to its soft, comfortable feel underfoot and its ability to weather gracefully. However, after considering the environmental impact and the material’s short lifespan compared to tropical hardwoods, the architect opted for Ipe, a more durable material. The Ipe was sourced from a managed forest, minimizing its environmental footprint while ensuring long-term durability.