Elective Course
Credits: 2-3-3 (3 Semester Hours)
Instructor: Russell Gentry
Course Overview: Introduction to scientific and practical nature of architectural materials: soil, cements, metals, plastics, and glazing materials. Laboratory includes fabrication of, and experiments on, architectural materials.
Topics Include: This elective course introduces students of architecture to the basics of material science and behavior. The course focuses on the structure, manufacture, fabrication, application, and life cycle of architectural materials. The fundamental nature of solid materials is considered, from an introduction to atomic structure through the study of environmental degradation processes. The course does not focus on architectural form and material selection, that is, a historical reflection on how others have used materials in architecture. Rather, the focus is on understanding the inherent nature of building materials and how this logic impacts design. The course also introduces and critiques the way that materials are selected and approved for use in architectural practice - through CSI-type specifications, consensus standards, and building code requirements.
The tactile nature of materials is explored through a series of hands-on experiments. At the smallest scale, the internal structure of metals, concretes, ceramics and fiber composites are explored using optical microscopy. At a larger scale, the nature of Portland cement concrete, clay masonry, plastics, and composites are explored through laboratories where these materials are made from their basic constituents. The normative aspects of materials are demonstrated, and students are encouraged to consider a wide range of permutations of and applications for non-standard forms of architectural materials (for example, concrete made with wood fiber).