When I hear the term "material architecture,"
Is it wood, soil, or stone?
Natural or artificial materials?
Many people may think of such "types of materials."
However, "material architecture" is not simply about selecting materials.
it is,The design concept of what kind of production structure should architecture be built on?is.
Do you assemble industrial products?
- Will you finish the work while facing the materials on-site?
- Will environmental impact and industrial structure also be taken into consideration?
"Material architecture" is the very attitude of taking on these challenges.
In this article, we will clarify the difference between "using natural materials" and "being a 'material architecture'", as well as the crucial difference between this and catalogue architecture.
1 |"Material architecture" is not "using natural materials"
First, I want to make it clear that
Using natural materials does not make it a "material building"That is what it means.
Whether you use solid wood or plaster,
If the design concept behind it is the same as that of assembling industrial products,
It is simply a "catalog building using natural materials."
What is "material architecture"?
- Reading the characteristics of the material
- Adjust according to site conditions
- The premise is that the product will be finished by hand.
In other words,A production system that embraces the unique characteristics of materialsThe key is to choose.
This is a major difference from architecture, which is made up of performance figures and product numbers.
2 | The structure of the construction industry and its relationship with "material construction"
Much of the current architecture
It is based on a system where uniformly produced parts are assembled on-site.
- Performance is guaranteed by the numbers
- Quality is standardized
- Construction period will be shortened
This system has achieved great results in terms of efficiency and stability.
On the other hand, "material architecture" has a different time axis.
- Finish on site
- Fine adjustments by craftsmen
- Assuming individual differences in materials
This is a world that is difficult to explain using the logic of efficiency.
But in return, it brings a deep texture and timelessness to the space.
What is "material architecture"?Management decision on which production system to chooseIt is also true.
2 | The CO₂ problem and the reality of forests and forestry
The reason natural materials are being reevaluated is the issue of CO₂ emissions.
Wood is a material that sequester carbon,
It is said to have a lower environmental impact than concrete or steel.
But don't stop thinking here.
Using wood means
- How are forests managed?
- Is forestry sustainable?
- Is the local industry established?
It means facing the reality.
Natural materials are not consumed for their "environmentally friendly image."
You need to be prepared to take on the production background as well.
"Material architecture" does not treat environmental issues as merely a design element.
A design approach that focuses on the industrial structure itselfis.
3 | The reality of plastering materials being lost
Among natural materials, plastering materials are in a particularly difficult situation.
Nowadays, earthen walls are rarely used in new construction.
Demand is limited to the restoration of traditional architecture.
the result,
- Declining number of craftsmen
- The supply of materials is shrinking
- It becomes difficult to pass on technology
This cycle is occurring.
This has the same structure as a thatched roof.
Even if the technology remains, it will disappear if there is no demand for it.
To talk about "material architecture" is to
How to reposition lost technologies in the modern worldThis is also a question.
4 | Charred cedar: a modernized natural material
On the other hand, there are also examples of natural materials being reworked for a modern look.
Burnt cedar
Scorching cedar is a traditional technique,
Currently, stable quality is ensured through factory production.
- High durability
- Improved maintainability
- Antiseptic and insect repellent performance
While holding
It maintains a unique, rustic look.
Here are some tips for "material building."
"Material architecture" does not mean returning everything to the way it was in the past.
Bringing out the power of materials while fusing them with modern technologyis.
5. The essence is the idea of "finishing on-site"
The core of "material architecture" is
Our approach is to complete the work on site.
This is particularly evident in plastering work.
- Paint on site
- Read the weather and humidity
- Adjustments are made using the craftsman's physical senses
This is unstable and not very efficient.
However, the resulting space is
- Humidity is naturally regulated
- The sound is soft and reverberating
- The air becomes softer
It offers comfort that cannot be expressed in numbers.
This is a value that is not written in the performance table in the catalog.
6 | The decisive difference from catalogue architecture
Catalog Architecture
- performance
- price
- specification
can be clearly explained.
This is a great strength.
But there is also value that cannot be explained.
- Why calm down
- Why stay longer?
- Why is it memorable?
"Material Architecture" is
This “inexplicable value” is at the heart of our design.
Instability, individual differences, inefficiency.
Embrace them, not reject them.
This is where the depth of architecture that stands the test of time is born.
Summary | What is "Material Architecture"?
"Material architecture" does not mean using natural materials.
It's not just about listing the names of the ingredients.
it is,
- Thinking about architecture, including the nature of production
- Accepting environmental and industrial realities
- Believing in the value of finishing on-site
- Emphasis on comfort that cannot be quantified
The goal is to reflect these ideas in the design.
"Material architecture" does not offer easy answers.
Instead, I continue to have questions.
That's why it can't be explained in a catalogue.
What is "material architecture"?
The very attitude of continuing to face that question
This is a design concept called "material architecture."