BUILDING MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN

Course Description

This course aims to examine the types, properties, and application areas of building materials used in interior design from an interior architecture perspective. Within the scope of the course, fundamental building materials such as natural and engineered wood products, natural stones, brick, concrete, reinforced concrete, steel, metals, glass, ceramics, insulation materials, plastics, mortars, and plasters are studied. The physical, mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and fire performance characteristics of materials, as well as their aesthetic qualities, are evaluated. Students analyze material selection criteria including user requirements, spatial functions, cost, environmental impacts, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The course aims to enable students to develop appropriate material decisions for interior surfaces, furniture, built-in elements, and detail solutions, while evaluating sustainable material use in interior design processes.

BUILDING MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

Course outcomes

1. 01 By the completion of the course the students will be able to identify (2)the basic physical, mechanical and environmental properties of building materials;
2. 02 building materials classification; natural and man-made materials;
3. 03 wood, stone, concrete, metals/alloys, glass, terracota products, plastics.; to solve (3) thematerial specification related problems;
4. 04 illustrate (3) the construction details indicating the materials ; to design (4) the constructional systems according to the materials, and integrate (4) those of construction and material solutions into architectural design; and to relate (4) the issues to technology, human comfort and environment. (SOLO grade 3.33)

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Yuan, Q., Liu, Z., Zheng, K. & Ma, C. (2021), Civil Engineering Materials: From Theory to Practice, Elsevier.
2. 02 Ashby, M. F. (2021), Materials and the Environment: Eco-informed Material Choice, 3rd ed., Elsevier.
3. 03 Haddad, A. N., Hammad, A. W. A. & Figueiredo, K. (Eds.) (2024), Materials Selection for Sustainability in the Built Environment: Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects, Elsevier / Woodhead Publishing.
4. 04 Binggeli, C. (2013), Materials for Interior Environments, 2nd ed., Wiley.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Explain the types, properties, and application areas of fundamental building materials used in interior design. SOLO 2
2. L02 Analyze the physical, mechanical, environmental, and performance characteristics of building materials in relation to interior applications. SOLO 4
3. L03 Relate material selection decisions to user requirements, spatial functions, aesthetic values, and technical requirements. SOLO 4
4. L04 Develop appropriate material solutions in interior design by considering sustainability, life cycle assessment, and application conditions. SOLO 4

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Integrate knowledge of interior architecture principles, spatial organization, and visual perception to develop user-centered, functional, aesthetically enriching, and innovative spatial solutions.
2. P02 Analyze and evaluate the relationships among user needs, functional constraints, ergonomics, accessibility, and universal design principles to develop interior architecture solutions across different design scales and contexts.
3. P03 Research, analyze, and relate historical, cultural, and theoretical knowledge to justify design decisions that respect local values while responding to global cultural diversity.
4. P04 Communicate design ideas effectively by integrating visual communication tools, manual and digital representation techniques, and appropriate digital technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted visualization methods, where appropriate.
5. P05 Evaluate and synthesize appropriate materials, color schemes, lighting, and furniture systems using up-to-date technologies and aesthetic principles to shape experiential atmospheres.
6. P06 Integrate environmental responsibility, occupant health, and ethical principles to develop sustainable, safe, and healthy interior architecture solutions and justify design decisions.
7. P07 Collaborate and coordinate with professionals from architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, and related disciplines by integrating multidisciplinary knowledge to develop comprehensive spatial solutions.
8. P08 Critically evaluate research, contemporary approaches, and artificial intelligence-assisted design and research methods to generate innovative knowledge and design solutions while sustaining lifelong learning and professional development.
9. P09 Justify professional decisions by integrating ethical principles, cultural, societal, and aesthetic responsibilities with the responsible, legal, and ethical use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
10. P10 Plan, manage, and evaluate interior architecture projects by integrating technical systems, user-centered design methods, regulatory requirements, and contemporary digital project management and design technologies.
11. P11 Evaluate and reinterpret existing and historic interiors by integrating conservation principles, adaptive reuse strategies, and digital documentation techniques to support cultural continuity and sustainable heritage conservation.
12. P12 Integrate inclusive and socially responsible design approaches with entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, professional collaboration, and adaptation to technological transformation to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the profession and society.

Po-Lo Matrix