Materiality (interior design)

Materiality in interior design is the concept of the physical consolidation of matter that informs us about our surroundings. Ultimately materials within an interior environment influence how one experiences that particular space whether they are inhabiting or simply occupying the area.^[1] These materials can vary from specific compounds that architecturally form the interior, i.e. cement and brick to finishings on walls and floors, and are not just limited to these elements. There are generally two aspects to occupancy of the interior, the material and immaterial components. There is an emphasis in interior design on the physical elements of a space i.e. the present materials, as well as the atmospheric elements that are entirely composed of the objective interpretation one forms within their surroundings.

There are large array of natural and synthetic materials that are present within an interior environment that have technical, practical and aesthetic functions. They can vary from concrete and cement based materials, stone, glass, ceramics and tiles, woods and timbers which include wood composites and veneers, plaster and plaster composites, metals, iron, copper, steel, aluminum, synthetics, plastics, rubber, linoleum, resins, fabrics such as leather and suede, finished flooring, wall and window finishes, paints, varnishes and lacquers as well as the materials of the objects that are present in the space.^[2]

Physical Material Properties

• Colour – Completely dependable on the material, this changes depending on the makeup of the object.
• Durability – This determines the specific materials ability to rebel destructive forces.
• Elasticity – The aptitude the material has to return to its original form after deformation.
• Linear form - This is one-dimensional, this is what forms corners and edges and creates texture and pattern.
• Planar form – Length and width are the basis of this form; this determines visual weight and stability.
• Blacklike form – This is a three dimensional structure that determines the length, width and depth of the material.
• Plasticity – the aptitude a material has to be formed and shaped, meanwhile retaining somewhat structure.
• Refinement – the aptitude to maintain precise and defined elements.
• Strength – the aptitude to defy tension.
• Texture – the relative appearance of a surface i.e. the smoothness/roughness. Texture can be either visual or tactile.
• Workability – the aptitude to effortlessly modify from its original form.^[3]

Understanding specific materialization within the interior environment allows for a proper deconstruction of the materials therefore meaning that occupants of that space gain a better knowledge of the present elements.

Atmospheres

As well as the physical compounds of materials present in the space, the interior also surfaces with conceptual implications. Atmospheres have the potential to be conceptual yet are prompted by their immediate surroundings, in this case materials.^[4] The objects in a space can determine the ambience of the environment and psychological connotations those object give out via their material compounds. A simple example would be the choice in colours present in materials, leading occupants to feel warm and safe or alternatively uncomfortable and awkward within the designated space.

The atmosphere of a particular environment allows people to consciously experience their surroundings and tune into what is immediately around them. Materials of the different objects are usually what lead people to feel comfortable or awkward in a space. They are what make an environment inviting or misleading.^[5]

User and materials

This is the aspect of materiality within interior design that comes down to personal style and practicality determined by the environment and the individual. Floors and walls are the most dominant spaces within the interior and thus people place a large emphasis on the materials they chose to adorn these two features. The performance, conduct and aesthetic qualities of different materials inform and define material selections in interior design.

The specific environment as well as planning on the part of the individual fitting out the space is what leads to specific choices in materiality.^[6] It comes down to a matter of personal choice and practicality. Chosen materials, particularly for the domestic interiors are heavily personalized, aesthetics and function being leading factors in choice.

Materials and surfaces are defining factors in interior design. It is not uncommon for the texture and appearance of certain materials within the interior to determine whether or not the project is successful. For this reason it is crucial that the correct selection of materials are implemented in order to create a space that achieves its initial goal as well as serving for functional purposes. The design possibilities involving materiality are infinite, so many different moods, sentiment and spaces can be created from utilizing a variety of materials suited to the purpose of the space and occupants of the space.^[7]

Materials are left in a space to be interrogated and used. Materiality is a large component of interior design as it stimulates interaction within the interior. Whether they are existing materials that add history and character or new materials that add charm and grace to a space, they create different sentiments in whatever state they are present in. Whether it be for functional purposes or aesthetic choosing, materials are vital within any interior environment.

References

1. Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition, John Simpson, Edmund Weiner, Oxford University Press, 1989, p.964
2. Interior Materials and Surfaces: The Complete Guide, Helen Bowers, Firefly Books, 2005, p.75
3. Materials for Interior Environments, Corky Biggeli, John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2008, p. 2
4. Rethinking Histories of the Interior, Charles Rice, Journal of Architecture, Vol. 9, pp. 284-289
5. The Poetics of Space, Gaston Bachelard, Beacon Press, 1958, p.8
6. Interior Design, Jenny Gibbs, Lawrence King Publishing, 2005, p.39
7. Interior Design Materials and Specifications, Lisa Godsey, Fairchild Books, 2008, p. 14