Architecture and the essence of materials: with special reference to the relationship between the essence of materials and spirit of place

Abstract

Architecture is a combination of materials. A material consists of physical qualities and an essence. The physical quality of a material is its strength, texture, surface and colour. The physical quality of a material evokes a sensory response. Architecture becomes a tangible and sensory experience. The second nature of a material is its essence. The essence of a material awakens a deeper understanding, trigger connotations and symbols. "Every building is born in the mind of its creator... reflects how the elusive qualities of human consciousness are poured into stone and brick spirit transforms matter into places of dwelling." 1 The "elusive" qualities of human beings are the responses to the world and the nature of being based on the deeply rooted knowledge gathered during childhood experiences. This knowledge colour the way we feel, the way we experience, the way we aspire and the way we strive to understand the nature of being. The essence of materials is a medium of expressing ideas. The essence of a material results in a unity in architecture. A unified architectural experience must acknowledge the forms and spaces created by materials, the hierarchy inherent in the functions they accommodate, the users they serve, the purpose and the meaning conveyed by the very materials. The built form should harness the landscape and context in creating architecture that is related, interdependent and reinforced with its surroundings. The architectural experience should draw on the knowledge, associations, symbols and aspirations of the user.