Materials test 1

Design Intentions in Material Selection

Using materials deliberately to reinforce design principles like rhythm, repetition, scale, and unity.

ADAAG (ADA Accessibility Guidelines)

Guidelines suggesting measures/performance for accessibility, such as recommended floor Coefficient of Friction.

Coefficient of Friction (COF)

A measurement used to evaluate the slip resistance of floor surfaces.

Anthropometrics

The science of measuring the human body, serving as the foundation for ergonomics.

Ergonomics

Applied science investigating interactions between built form, task actions, and human body limits.

Proxemics

The study of spatial distances between people as they communicate in space.

Universal Design

Design approach aiming to accommodate all people through accessibility, intuitive use, and equity.

5 Senses in Spatial Perception

Visual (sight), Tactile (touch), Thermal (comfort), Auditory (hearing), and Olfactory (smell).

Haptic Sensation

Tactile interaction with materials, influenced by air movement, temperature, and humidity.

Stair Nosing Profile Function

A material change on a stair edge that enhances safety and surefootedness.

Sick Building Syndrome

Health issues caused by toxic vapor off-gassing, often worsened by poor HVAC systems.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Chemicals released from adhesives, paints, and solvents causing respiratory and systemic health issues.

ASHRAE Standard for Acceptable IAQ

Air with no harmful contaminant levels where 80%+ of exposed people express satisfaction.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Manufacturer documents published by ANSI detailing material safety and hazardous components.

Biomimicry

Imitating nature's methods and structures as inspiration for design and production.

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Evaluating environmental impacts across extraction, manufacturing, use, transport, and disposal.

7 Environmental Sustainability Strategies

Local, Natural/Synthetic, Rapidly Renewable, Reclaimed, Recycled, Upcycled, and Low-VOC materials.

Sound Diffusion

When sound originates from a single source and spreads out into surrounding areas.

Sound Attenuation

Sound waves bouncing and reflecting throughout a space, gradually losing strength.

Sound Absorption

The ability of interior materials and surfaces to absorb sound waves.

Sound Transmission

Unabsorbed sound passing through materials into surrounding spaces, causing noise pollution.

Acoustic Placement Strategy

Ceiling treatments are most effective for large rooms; wall treatments for small rooms.

Decibel (dB)

The unit used to measure sound intensity.

Absorption Coefficient Scale

A rating from 0 (no sound absorbed) to 1 (all sound absorbed).

Sound Transmission Class (STC)

A numeric rating evaluating an assembly's ability to reduce sound transmission; higher is better.

Patina

Surface condition produced on a material by age, wear, or exposure to natural elements.

Cellular Structure Influence

Determines technical properties like porosity, density, hardness, flammability, and moisture resistance.

Compressive vs. Tensile Strength

Compressive resists pushing/crushing forces; tensile resists pulling/stretching forces.

Density

The weight of a material relative to its volume or mass.

Dimensional Movement

Relative expansion or contraction between adjoining materials that designers must accommodate.

Ductility

A material's ability to be shaped or impacted without breaking.

Durability

Ability of a material to withstand wear, damage, and environmental conditions over time.

Elasticity

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.

Emissivity

Measurement (0-1) of how well a material releases heat versus reflecting it.

Flame and Smoke Spread Ratings

Classifications (such as NFPA/UL Class A, B, C) defining fire safety performance.

Material Stability

Ability to remain dimensionally inert during changes in temperature, moisture, or force.

Thermal Conductivity

Speed at which heat moves through a material (measured in BTU); higher rates feel colder.

Thermal Transmittance

How easily heat passes through an entire structural assembly or building material.

Workability

A material's degree of resistance to being cut, drilled, sanded, planed, or shaped.

Factors Influencing Material Cost

Availability, transportation, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and life-cycle duration.

LEED Certification

A rating system evaluating environmental sustainability and performance in building design and material selection.

Permeability

The rate at which liquids or gases pass through a material's cellular structure.

Modulus of Elasticity

A measurement of a material's stiffness and resistance to elastic deformation under load.

Off-Gassing

The release of trapped chemicals or VOCs into interior air from manufactured materials.

Flame Spread Index (FSI)

A numeric rating measuring how rapidly fire propagates across the surface of a material.