Advanced Building Materials-III

ABSTRACT

Rajeev Sharma | AR213C | 190725

Gateway College of Architecture & Design AR213C – Advanced Building Materials-III

Abstract
“Now the subject of Material is clearly the foundation of architecture, and perhaps
one would not go very far wrong if one defined architecture as the art of building
suitably with suitable material.”1

Syllabus of subject include different types of concrete, glass, plastic and

waterproofing. It seems very well placed in the scheme. Subject helps students to
understand theoretical aspects of different materials, process of manufacturing,
their characteristics, and behavior under different conditions, advantages and
disadvantages. It helps students to have an upper hand while designing space. It is
not only the imagination of spaces that will give right results in design but also the
right choice of materials, which will play a crucial role in deciding the possibility of
construction, age and workability.

“The type and form of structure is determined by the type of material used. The
concept of ‘building materials’ glorifies the endurance and visual aspects of design.
Not only does it provide meaning but also enhances the aesthetic quality of a
building. Building materials help to:

• Establish a relationship between visual quality and structural stability.

• Select the appropriate technique of construction.

• Provide character and visual appeal to the structure.

• Decipher the time and era of construction of a building.

• Trace the evolution of the art of construction.

• Mix aesthetic elements with practicality.”2

It is important to gain the information about the material as much as possible so the
best can come in to the picture.

− Subject focuses on different materials, their application, possible pro and

cons, which gives students a headstrong reasoning to defend their
application in design as well as later during the practice.

− All materials have strengths and weaknesses. When making material

selection decisions, it’s important to understand trade-offs – how
substituting one material for another may affect a building’s performance,

1. William Morris, January 1892. The Influence of Building Materials on Architecture. Accessed at
https://www.marxists.org/archive/morris/works/1891/building.htm
2. “MISHRA ARTHASARATHI and DAS ASEEMA”. “BUILDING MATERIAL: SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT ON
ARCHITECTURE”. ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People, September 2014. page 1
Gateway College of Architecture & Design AR213C – Advanced Building Materials-III

functionality, aesthetics and cost, as well as the health of occupants and the
environment.

It is important to gain the information about the material as much as possible so the
best can come in to the picture.

For a better understanding of subject it is integrated with the previous learning by

revising previous semester notes, at the same time connected with other disciplines.
Strategy include showing sample and audio video of process of manufacturing or of
application for better understanding of materials. It is equally important to share
what we learnt for which study material is uploaded and shared online on drive
platform so that each one can learn from others. Regular teaching aid is uploaded
on drive, students are encouraged to upload and read from the drive. Site visits are
planned along with construction subject teachers so that application of materials
can be understood and incorporated in construction exercises.

Subject gives a wide understanding of numerous material which will certainly help
students to explore different possibilities by using them.

1. William Morris, January 1892. The Influence of Building Materials on Architecture. Accessed at
https://www.marxists.org/archive/morris/works/1891/building.htm
2. “MISHRA ARTHASARATHI and DAS ASEEMA”. “BUILDING MATERIAL: SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT ON
ARCHITECTURE”. ARCHITECTURE - Time Space & People, September 2014. page 2