During the classical era of architecture, materiality played a big role in architecture. Buildings needs to be in a specific shape and the material it uses speaks. For instance, greek temples were bold, square in shape looked solid and heavy as they used carved marbles or the thick masonry walls with little openings of gothic style showed empowerment.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     With the help of advancement in technology and innovations in the modern world, designs are venturing to its very peak where anything is possible if you’re willing to. The most important aspects are materiality and immateriality is it enhances the overall design in architecture. There are a lot of architects that are venturing newer materials that are incorporated with computerized technology today. Materials are being arranged, cut, precast and molded into different shapes, patterns that shows different textures. They are transformed in therms of its form however their properties are still being kept in order to achieve a different design or look.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     All these factors creates shadows and the way the light shines, come in, or reflect in a space creates an atmosphere that can instantly change the mood and emotion of a person that undergoes the space. This qualities can be defined as immateriality which a lot of architect’s today finds that it gives a huge impact in designing. This is the very reason why architecture today are moving towards immateriality.

 

    One example of creating space by changing the atmosphere is the Blur building. It is mainly made out of steel structure and it has no walls, the building was designed to create fog by using water. When the fog emits, it changes the atmosphere and the quality of the space changes. Users are able experience all 5 senses which I find is unique and different than normal buildings.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However in my opinion, a building should never be based of immateriality. I believe that there is a fine line between materiality and immateriality, and that we should design with both or incorporate them together to achieve a balance that gives an impact. I am going to stand by Mies’s quote which is “form follow function”,

As architecture is about building with the environment and that today’s materiality and immateriality can be seen as they are neglecting the needs in functionality. In the end it is all about the end users.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    One example I find that is best to showcase the use of both materiality and immateriality is the Jewish Museum by Daniel Libeskind perfectly incorporating both. Using light and shadows, material (that does not hide its nature) such as smooth concrete that penetrates through wall that symbolizes a meaning. Each space has different moods, different atmosphere, and is so mysterious.

 

    On another note, we should not stop innovating, trying out newer materials or a different design approach as architecture is all about researching and trying new ways and methods to achieve a greater and better tomorrow.

If a fourth article were to be published, the title desired would be "Balancing materiality and immateriality" which further discuss on how important it is in design to balance these 2 elements.