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The informed use of materials is a driving force in architectural design, art, and engineering. An understanding of technology, innovation, and resolution of detail is central to the inspired use of these materials. The purpose of the Materials Resource Center is to provide a centralized location where Washington University students, faculty, and alumni can find material samples and digital databases. The Center will be a resource for art and architecture design studios, engineering and technology courses and research, as well as architecture and art history course work. It is envisioned as a living, changing, and dynamic source for information and research, as well as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary collaboration and experimentation.
The goals of the Materials Center are:
- To introduce students to the capabilities and realities of materials providing an integral piece to the design process, focusing upon both the newest materials and traditional techniques, all evaluated through the lens of sustainability
- To organize lectures by researchers, architects, artists, engineers and historians on the application of materials
- To provide tours of installations of new materials and advanced building technology in the local region.
- To provide a resource for faculty in the development of cross-disciplinary coursework and research involving materials, as well as a resource for master classes
- To develop ties with the professional community and provide opportunities for courses/groups to visit exemplary implementations of new and sustainable materials.
The backbone of the Center is the materials library, which will have a wide-ranging scope that includes traditional, new, and smart materials, all of which must have some sustainability component. The library will include an easily searchable digital database of materials, which will allow users to search for a material using basic design characteristic and narrow their search through specific filters, such as sustainable certifications or local materials, as well as to compare similar materials. There will also be web-based sources for sustainable industry standards, and resources showcasing the history and current practice of building technology.
In the spirit of reducing excess paper and publication, the library will procure only materials samples, which will be cataloged in the database, with the manufacturer or suppliers website easily accessible. Students interested in specific product specifications can find them online, or can request them directly from the manufacturer.
Construction of the Materials Library began in the lower level of Givens Hall in Fall 2008. The library has been designed to have movable display panels that allow materials samples to be mounted on the surface, similar to art rack storage systems. The space also houses a computer station for searching the database and digital resources.
Public Programming
The Materials Center seeks to increase awareness of materials and sustainability through public events scheduled throughout the year. These events are open to students, design professionals and anyone with an interest in materials.
In addition to lectures and design charrettes, the Materials Center will sponsor field visits to construction sites, and existing LEED accredited buildings to provide hands-on understanding of installation of new materials and building assemblies. Additionally, manufacturers and representatives will be invited to monthly presentations as requested by faculty or as identified by the Materials Center staff.
Academic Course Work
A range of course work will be developed under the auspices of the Materials Center. These courses will be available for sponsorship by businesses, manufacturers or suppliers of building materials. Such courses will be cross-disciplinary in nature, and the use of materials will be the focus of the class. Courses may include: workshops focusing upon the use of a specific material; design-build courses and studios; digital fabrication courses; and history of materials and technology course work.
