5 Factor Architects Should Consider when choosing building and floring materials - A360 Architects

 The five factors:


1. physical requirements.

Obviously, the building materials must be suitable for the building's intended purpose. Will the material be strong enough to withstand the demands of people and machinery? Will it be flexible enough to withstand wind and weather? Will the floor coverings be too heavy for the support structure or too porous, allowing them to absorb and spread harmful contaminants? 

First and foremost, your building and design should be safe.

2. user experience

All industries are trying to perfect the user experience of their customers. In retail, the question is how will traffic flow and displays hinder or support a purchase decision? Will customers instinctively know "where to go"? How will users navigate the various screens and data in a software? Will the layout be clunky and confusing rather than intuitive and friendly?


Architecture is no different. Even if a building material "technically" meets the requirements, how will the user "feel" when interacting with the environment? Will the materials selected feel more "formal" than "trendy"? Will the building feel spartan, imposing or cold, or will it be luxurious, inviting and warm? Do the acoustic properties of the building materials make it difficult to have a private conversation, or do they reflect so much noise that the workplace is very distracting and uncomfortable?


3. time and money

Cost is always a factor in any project. The material may be perfect for the application and aesthetically pleasing, but if the client can not afford it, they will not use it. And even if the material is affordable, the expertise needed to install it may not be available, extending deadlines or increasing budgets. Do not choose materials that will unnecessarily delay development, or at least communicate in advance that delays are likely.


Also, be realistic about the temptation to build too  much. Do you want the building to last hundreds of years or just a few decades?

It may not be glamorous, but your design should take into account its intended use.


4. context/environment

Context typically encompasses three areas: physical, cultural, and intended use.

First, you should consider the physical location of the project when selecting materials, as the location itself may limit your choices. Is it a renovation of an existing building near other structures or new construction on a vacant lot? Is the site accessible for delivery of materials (e.g., through rainy wooded areas or via outdated elevators)? 


5. maintenance

Will your materials stand the test of time? Are they durable enough to withstand the necessary traffic? Rare or hard-to-make materials may look stunning when incorporated into your designs, but can cause glaring problems when they become damaged and require hard-to-replace parts. 


In addition, extensive maintenance may be required to keep your building in top-notch condition. VCT flooring, for example, requires regular maintenance to achieve its stated lifespan, and protective coatings are often the best option for long-term performance. Concrete floors, while durable and resilient, may require extensive waterproofing to prevent damage from spreading. 


Regardless of which material you choose, be aware that difficult or expensive maintenance will most likely be inadequate and could lead to premature failure of your building materials.

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