Appropriate Forms of Construction - Criteria for the selection of Materials

Materials determine the image of a building, the combination of the selected materials with light and space creates architecture. An immense scope of design alternatives are available which, in combination with the huge palette of existing building materials on offer, provides an almost unlimited range of choice. In view of this variety it is often difficult for the architect to decide which building materials are, in fact, the most appropriate for his project. Is the desired effect achieved? Is it environmentally friendly or is an excess of energy required for the manufacture? This article provides a great deal of useful information which supports the architect in the selection process.