Materiality in Architecture: Shaping Spaces, Sustainability, and Sensory Experience

Architecture constantly shapes the surrounding urban fabric, playing a crucial role in the functioning of spaces, people's movement, and the presence of nature. As architects, we consider various facets of design, from maximising lighting, optimal furniture layouts, and nuanced textures and colours to thoughtful materiality, before we design any space. However, one can argue that materiality is the most influential attribute of a space; the ability to touch and feel objects in a space or beneath our feet is a profound feeling.?

The Tactile Power of Materials in Design

Contrary to the other design elements – lighting, colours, faucets – materiality, by virtue, has a tactile character. The sense of touch and feel helps one to differentiate between finishes and understand the craft and its association with a space. The texture, weight, and warmth of materials evoke an emotional response, forging a direct link between the individual and the built environment. Through touch, materials transcend their visual presence and become integral to the experience of a space.

Sustainable Materials: A Path Toward Conscious Design

Since materials are crucial in providing architecture robustness and longevity, it is essential to consider their long-term impact on the environment and the people who dwell within. For instance, Soy Silk is made from soy residue, a soybean protein fibre with the advantage of being a product of renewable natural resources and a by-product of the food manufacturing industry. Soy has a soft-to-the-hand feel, second-skin comfort, lustre, loft and drape, and durability. It might be an excellent replacement for silk, given that it is a natural material and enables the creation of fascinating textures and patterns.??

Meanwhile, the potential of waste from the textile industry can be turned into proper construction material with reliable technical performance and a unique visual appeal. Textile materials can be recycled for various purposes, including creating electrical wires, producing crushed materials for temperature and noise insulation, and using fillers or reinforcement in concrete.?

By thoughtfully selecting materials, architects can create designs that are both functional and conscious of their ecological footprint.

#Materiality #Tactility #Sustainability #SensoryExperience #SustainableMaterials #SustainableArchitecture