Materials in Architecture

Connections: 

Every structure is made of distinct parts. Where these parts connect with one another, it is important to pay special attention how they connect, both visually and mechanically. 


Make the connection between parts clearly visible, so that people can appreciate and enjoy how the structure is held together. For example in this Japanese garden bridge, horizontal and vertical members are connected with a clearly visible mortise and tenon joint that is held in place by a clearly visible wooden peg. This interpenetration of forms makes for a more intimate bond between the parts.

Attention to connection between parts is particularly important when one material meets another. A sharp, distinct and uncluttered connection emphasizes and clarifies the differences in the materials. 

Effect of Light on Materials: 

Light and shadow can have a profound effect on how we perceive materials. The direction and type of light affects how a material's surface texture appears. The color of light effects how colors appear. 


When choosing materials and colors, consider how they will appear under the different lighting conditions in which they will be seen, including time of day, amount of cloud cover, and both natural and artificial lighting. 

Perched on a hilltop, this chapel is a fantastic study of architecture as sculpture. The concrete walls are prow-like and the roof resembles an inverted crab shell. Le Corbusier wrote of the chapel, "the key is the light, and the light clarifies the forms." Criticized as a shocking piece of irreverence by the disciples of strict modernism, the chapel was a highly personal work for Le Corbuiser that allowed for emotion, rather than banishing it. Gentle light descends onto three altars from hidden skylights.

Express Purpose Through Materials: 

Use materials to define forms and distinguish between different objects / structures. 

Honesty of Materials: 

Use materials that really are what they appear to be. Do not use imitation materials that attempt to look like something they are not. Avoid painting materials to hide their true nature, but instead celebrate the imperfections of the material.

Instead, choose materials that are best suited for what you are using them for. 

Material Associations: 

People often have associations with specific materials. These associations may be positive, negative or neutral.

For example:

• Raw concrete may be associated with neglected, run-down buildings.
• Terrazzo may be associated with schools, hospitals or other institutional buildings. 

When choosing a material, consider that not only the materials innate qualities, but also people's associations with the material, will have a strong impact on how it is perceived. 

Natural Materials: 

We are very attracted to materials that have fine detail, variation and that tell a story of where they come from. 

Natural materials often feel more "alive", more pleasant, than many manufatured materials. They often have more variation on a single surfaces, and between one piece of the material and another. Several pieces from a single species of Wood, for instance, may very subly in color, grain uniformity, and grain size. 

Although concrete and metal are certainly manufactured materials, here their true nature is expressed, giving them a very natural feeling.

Texture: 

Texture is central to our experience of different materials. 

When choosing and contrasting materials, consider the texture of its surface. In particular, consider:

Having a surface high in texture can add interest and contrast.

Too much texture psychologically eats into personal space.

Smooth textures can attract, while rough and hard can repel.

Consider use of both delicate and strong textures. 

Contrasting Materials: 

The unique qualities of each material are most obvious when used next to or in conjunction with other materials with contrasting characteristics. 

When selecting contrasting materials, consider the color, shininess, roughness, variation vs. uniformity of the materials, and select materials that are significantly different in at least one of these qualities.