Essay

Featured Image Takeaway Design Strategy:

The image above of The Palais Des Congres De Montreal shows how the selection of an architectural material (colored glass exterior panels) can have numerous effects that reach well into the realm of providing for a unique and positive occupant experience. As you select materials for your built space, think of more than simply how it will sit in its static position within the architecture. Think of its transient properties — created when light passes through, when occupants walk by, when the exterior temperature changes, or when the material can morph kinetically. These are just a few examples, but really the possibilities are almost endless. Then, be sure to factor the effects of the material’s behavior upon your future building occupants. After all, some materials like glass can have positive or negative effects, depending on how they are used. The main idea is to explore your materials thoroughly during your design process — to capture both their static and transient qualities for improved occupant experience.

To Apply This Strategy, Ask Yourself:

WHEN YOU MODEL YOUR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS, BE SURE TO INTEGRATE THE WAY THE MATERIALS WILL BEHAVE TRANSIENTLY. THERE ARE WONDERFUL WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE BEAUTY AND BETTER FUNCTIONALITY WHEN YOU DO SO. JUST AS IN THE IMAGE ABOVE, THERE MAY BE A KEY MATERIAL THAT BRINGS AN ARCHITECTURAL SPACE TO LIFE — BE SURE TO THOROUGHLY EXPLORE THAT MATERIAL FOR ALL OF ITS STATIC AND TRANSIENT PROPERTIES THAT CAN SERVE TO ENHANCE YOUR BUILDING DESIGN SPACE. ASK YOURSELF, WHAT EFFECTS YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR DESIGN FOR YOUR OCCUPANTS, AND THEN FIGURE OUT HOW TO SELECT AND COMPOSE MATERIALS TO ACHIEVE SUCH EFFECTS.

Image Caption: Palais des Congrès – Montreal

Image Credit: © manumilou | Flickr