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Construction Art I: the Materials

Course Code:

Π1-1020

Semester:

1st Semester

Specialization Category:

ΜΕΥ

Course Hours:

2

ECTS:

3

Eclass Link:

https://eclass.uniwa.gr/courses/DIAK112/


Course Tutors

Dr. Georgiadou Zoe

General

The first course of Structural Art courses is an introductory theoretical course and refers to constructive materials used in building construction, fulfilment of functional requirements, protection from the wear and tear of use and external factors, performance of aesthetic and morphological options for the implementation of a technical project, which consist the group of structural and decorative materials. This group includes both materials in their natural form, used since ancient times, such as stone, clay, wood, and newer technical materials, such as metal alloys, cement or plastics.
Modern computational design is gradually forming a modern environment of continuous flow of information, computer systems and algorithms that lead to the total control of properties, behavior and all kinds of aspects concerning materials in the design process. New technologies (such as the use of nanotechnology) contribute to rapid developments in materials science, increasing the requirements, the range of their properties, their variability, their response to different environmental conditions – to heat, light, electricity, etc. Thus, an expanded field is formed between the conventional management of materials as part of the construction of a project, and their apparent active participation in the production of architectural forms, as well as their treatment as dynamic rather than static systems.

Course content

An indicative series of presentations and lectures, which can be modified or enriched, includes basic sections of constructive materials such as: natural stone, cement products, clay products, wood, metals, glass, textiles, plastic materials, connected with basic concepts of physical and mechanical behavior of materials, compatibility, and workability. Three distinct groups of materials are also presented, which, while not be used in the main constructions they are applied either as a substrate, or as a binding agent, or as a coating to protect their surface, or even to prevent specific problems. Those groups that are considered particularly important for the success or failure of constructions are the binding materials – such as mortars, plasters, glues, the insulating materials – sound insulation, thermal insulation and waterproofing materials, as well as varnishes and paints. Specific references are made to materials that are friendly for humans and the environment, with the development of parameters and methods for evaluating them with sustainable design criteria.

Programme aims

This theoretical course refers to the materiality of constructions, i.e. structural and decorative materials, used in technical projects. It refers to knowledge that links the design process, education, know-how, construction logic, properties and behavior of materials, as well as project implementation.
The aim is to develop ways of approaching the selection process of materials in relation to their aesthetic quality, properties, behavior, resistance, processing, relevance and durability, in relation to the influence of external factors and requirements that influence design (in conventional and new digital environments), implementation, security, user health and project duration. One of the goals of the course is to cultivate active individual participation, but also group cooperation, as well as interaction with the tutor.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

A series of lectures are held by the lecturer and visiting professors in combination with an educational visit to a materials production site. In order to fuel critical discussion and collaboration, students undertake optional group work on materials and construction, choosing from proposed realized studies.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand structural and decorative material selection issues in technical projects, which are based on their general secondary education (principles of physics, chemistry and engineering) and supported by advanced level science textbooks, as options are included resulting from developments at the cutting edge of materials technology and modern digital design capabilities.
They will be able to shape their choices during their studies in order to combine aesthetic choices with the general and specific requirements of the projects, integrating the structural materials into creative design process, always taking into account the safety and health of the users, and the environment.

Bibliography

Allen, E., & Iano, J., (2019) (7th edit). Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods. N. Jersey: Wiley.
Ashby, M., Shercliff, H., & Cebon, D., (2007). Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design. U.K.: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Bechtholdt, M., (2008). Innovative Surface Structures-Technologies and Applications. Oxford: Taylor & Francis
Berge, B., (2009). The Ecology of Building Materials. UK: Architectural Press.
Beverly, G., (2014). Textiles: The Whole Story: Uses, Meanings, Significance. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Bonda, P., Sosnowchik, K., (2007). Sustainable Commercial Interiors. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.
Chapman, J., (2015), (2nd ed.) Emotional Durable Design: Objects, Experiences and Empathy. London, N. York: Routledge.
Coulson, J., (2012). Wood in Constuctions: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes. U.K.: Wiley Blackwell.
Duggal, S., K., (2016). Building Materials, 5th edit. N. Delhi: New Age International Ltd.
Edwards, B., W., & Naboni, E., (2013) (3rd ed.). Green Buildings Pay: Design, Productivity and Ecology. Oxford: Routledge.
Ermann, M., (2015). Architectural Acoustics Illustrated. N. Jersey: Wiley.
Georgiadou, Z (2021). Constuctive and Decorative Materials. Thessaloniki: Tziolas Publications.
Hodgson, F., T., (2016).Concretes, Cements, Mortars, Plasters & Stucco – How to Use and Prepare them. N.L.: Fredonia Books.
Moxon, S., (2014). Sustainability in Interior Design. London: Laurence King Pub.
Muthu, S., S., (2015). (edit.). Sustainable Apparel Production. N. York: CRC Group Press.
Robertson, M., (2014). Sustainability: Principles and Practice. Oxford: Routledge.
Schweitzer, Ph., A., (2005).Paint and Coatings: Applications and Corrosion Resistance. U.S.A.:Taylor and Francis.
Soutsos, M. & Domone, P. (edit.)(2017). Construction Materials: Their Nature and Behavior. U.S.A.: CRC Press.