LECTURE 05

ARTICLE READING

What is the role of materiality and immateriality in architecture today?
Is materiality and immateriality predominantly about the expression of material properties, the transformation of materials, human perception, or value judgements; some combination of these; or something else.
In other words, if a forth text were added to this chapter, what would the argument be about today’s architecture in relation to materiality and immateriality?

Material is material. Material can be considered physical. It can relate to matter, anything that has weight and takes up space. Immaterial is not material. Immaterial can be considered spiritual. Though it is more commonly used for something considered not important. Materiality and Architecture extends architectural thinking beyond the confines of current design literatures to explore conceptions of materiality across the field of architecture. Important 'immaterial' aspects such as presentation, agency, ecology and concept are examined, deepening our understanding of materiality’s role in architectural processes, the production of cultural identities, the pursuit of political agendas, and the staging of everyday environments and atmospheres.

Materiality also known as an idea of having sufficient materials in the structure design to support the building at the sam time applying raw materials on architecture , bringing out the characteristic of the material and building itself. In my opinion, materiality stand for mother of architecture as it emphasis more on usage of raw materials and functionality instead of the feeling it gives. It can fully conserve the quality of raw material , since raw material is among the best original material in architecture.

In the present day, materiality and site context were bonded and considered as inseparable linked. For example, Curvaceous Brick House in India which designed according to local site context and materials. Curvaceous Brick House located in rural Wada near Mumbai, India, the 2,500-square-foot house was constructed from locally sourced materials like brick, stone, wood, bamboo, and ferro-concrete to keep costs low and give the space an earthy feel. The home was also designed with rat-trap bond brickwork, passive technologies, and large arched openings that take in generous amounts of natural light and views of the surrounding countryside. The use of exposed natural materials and abundant natural light blur the line between indoor and outdoor space. It reflect the local cultural identity with the uses of material and also the local skilled craftsmanship.

Lights, feeling are all immaterial which creates modern sensation in architecture to express ideas and phenomena. Immaterial roles as a connection between modern era and building. Due to lots of new materials being invented, the aim of building not only focus on it’s design, but to deliver message or idea. Immateriality preserve the quality of the building , expressing the word- timeless. Immateriality is inventing a new method of space planning , not only using the typical building materials.Thus,building becomes lighter , mysterious.

The Kunsthaus Bregenz museum by Peter Zumthor creatively using glass as envelop to absorbs the changing light of the sky, the haze of the lake, it reflects light and colour and gives an intimation of its inner life according to the angle of vision, the daylight and the weather. The minimalist structure stands as a light box that absorbs, reflects, and filters light across the façade and throughout the building. The facades etched, translucent glass glows as it is illuminated by the sunlight, or the interior lighting, becoming a dynamic part of the building as it reacts differently according to the light, time of day, weather, and the surrounding context.

In my opinion, materiality and immateriality are originally an expression of material properties and the human perception. Different type of material has different meaning to its surrounding, by applying these concept, building become soulful and meaningful instead of just a structure or building. Throughout the material or senses create , architect’s design intention can be easily read by users and the understanding of sensation can be trained too.

If a fourth text were added to this, i will argue about balance between materiality and immateriality. which further discuss the method to blend in the raw material ( materiality) with the new era architectecture style ( immateriality). How to achieves sensation impact and remain raw material at the same time.

LECTURE 05

ARTICLE READING

What is the role of materiality and immateriality in architecture today?

Is materiality and immateriality predominantly about the expression of material properties, the transformation of materials, human perception, or value judgements; some combination of these; or something else.

In other words, if a forth text were added to this chapter, what would the argument be about today’s architecture in relation to materiality and immateriality?