When selecting materials for construction, the starting point is often a catalog.
Well-organized information such as performance, dimensions, price, and installation examples makes it easier to make a decision.
However, in material construction,
Information not included in the catalog is what determines the level of completionIt will be.
It's not because the catalog is insufficient.
The catalog is justShows "information about the product itself"That's why.
In material architecture, materials are always used in relation to the whole building.
Furthermore, by mixing natural materials with ready-made products,
There are many situations where a decision cannot be made based on individual performance alone.
1 |Architecture cannot be judged based on catalog information alone
The catalogue lists the performance of the product.
but,In what building, where, and how will the product be used?
It does not include that information.
Even when using ready-made products, designers must always consider the following points at the same time:
- The scale and composition of the entire building
- Compatibility with the natural materials used in the surrounding area
- Environmental conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity
・People's movements and interactions
The numbers and specifications written in the catalog are only part of the information you need to make a decision.
In material construction,How does it behave when placed in an architectural context?While imagining this,
You have to work with materials.
2. The essence of the material lies beyond the numbers
In material architecture, it is important to understand the "essence" of the material.
For example, let's consider the creation of rammed earth.
Understand the properties of the soil to be used, such as viscosity and water content,
Of course, you need to get the right mix.
But that's not enough.
How will the soil be transported to the site?
How to store it on site
How to deal with dry and rainy weather
-Type and quantity of tools required for the work
Where to place tools and materials
At first glance, these may appear to be in the construction field.
but,It is the designer's job to prepare the necessary conditionsIt is also.
Understanding the properties of materials is not just about knowing the formula and numbers.
Consider how the material will be handled on-site.is.
The catalog does not contain this information.
3. A mockup is a device for visualizing information.
In material construction, creating a mock-up before construction is an important process.
Mockups aren't just for checking the final product.
For contractors, it is a place to share work procedures and difficulty levels.
For clients, this is a place to concretely understand what the finished product will look like.
And for designers,
A device for verifying information that is not listed in the catalog as the actual itemIt will be.
A mockup will reveal things like:
・Differences between the expected facial expression and the actual expression
・Unreasonable construction or danger
- Durability concerns
- Impact on processes and costs
Based on these findings, we revised the finishing method and adjusted the construction method.
We will decide on the final specifications.
In material architecture, mockups are not a "task";
A key step in identifying problems before they occuris.
4 | There are also cases where the amount is not determined
At Seizai Kenchiku, we sometimes decide not to finalize the price at the estimate adjustment stage.
At a stage where information on construction methods and materials has not been fully organized,
If the price is determined without any consideration, it will cause great anxiety for the contractor.
I don't know how much effort it will take
・The process is difficult to understand
・As a result, the amount will be increased by the risk.
To avoid this situation,
In material construction, it is sometimes possible to reserve some parts as "temporary."
Then, we did a mockup,
Check the construction method, process, and required personnel,
We will then confirm the budget and construction period.
At first glance, this approach may seem to involve many uncertainties.
But in reality,A method that is less likely to cause problems and is easy for all parties involved to understandis.
Being able to understand the entire process with peace of mind is a
It is directly related to the completeness of the material construction.
Summary | Material Architecture deals with information that is not included in catalogs
At Material Architecture, we do not reject catalog information.
However, we won't base our decision on that alone.
How materials are handled on site
Where does human intervention come in?
How does time affect it?
Only when this information is included does the material become part of the architecture.
Information that is not included in the catalog is difficult to handle because it is not organized.
However, facing that uncertainty and sorting things out one by one is what makes it so important.
It can be said to be a material architectural design.
Material architecture is not about having a lot of information,
The degree of completion of architecture is determined by how information is handledThat's why.
And at the heart of this is the attitude of constantly imagining "what will happen on the ground?"
Regarding material construction,
In light of the actual site and conditions
If you want to think about it,
From the inquiry form
Please contact us.
*We do not make unreasonable sales pitches or make proposals for immediate decisions.