Advanced Chapter - Materials, An Introduction to Materials
Architecture is taking materials to a new level, but we should not forget the development of materials over time, how they have survived, or failed. Many do still exist, and we need to protect them and blend with them, both visually and structurally.
Historic
Up until at least the later part of the 19th Century, many common materials were manufactured onsite, Brickwork, Lime, and clay tiles for both roof and floor, being classic examples. It was not until the early 1900’s that bricks were manufactured in bulk by factory units that provided limited control over raw materials and production. Far more than could be expected by onsite kilns, and rough clay pits.
So often there is a huge relationship between local geology and regional building traditions, (Cotswold Stone, Welsh Slate, London Stock Bricks)
So the choice of building materials was often local supply, and the often-limited transportation of goods from other areas.
We should also consider the local craftsmen using local materials simply because they understood their use and limitations.
Current
The design and manufacture of so many materials are now regulated by both trade associations, British Standards and the building regulation need for fit for purpose.
Transportation has eased the supply of almost any material, with global certification and efficient manufacturing, with an almost instant communication and ordering system of the internet.
Future
As we progress through the 21st Century, and head towards the 22nd Century, and here we need to consider the longevity of a lot of the buildings, may well live into this century, the need for materials, that will reduce CO2 emissions both in manufacture and transportation to and from the place of manufacture, which has now become global in its ability to transport, or even set up local manufacturing.
CAD, the use of AI, and an almost instant communication network free up the design and manufacturing of bespoke materials, and custom shapes breaking free, buildings of the future from ridged shaped orthogonal designs to free flowing artistic, and living, smart aware buildings.
So often, buildings we design now, rely on humans and very limited automation to steer then through use, and the ravages of the weather and so often seismic events. AI together with ever increasingly sophisticated sensor, and materials will protect themselves, how to achive this, is the next big design quest.
IIn a later chapter, I will take an in-depth look at materials their design, manufacture, use, and control in the building Regulation and how they survive modern life and a climate, that is reacting to humans in ways we just can not survive without radical intervention.
