unit summary 3

I believe materials help us understand design as an integrated practice by connecting all elements involved in the design through the use of materials. Besides scale, I believe materials is one of the most important parts of any design. It is simple, without materials, the design itself would not exist. All design principles and elements relate back to what material was used in the making of the piece. For example, the coliseum was made with very strong, weather enduring materials which we know based on the piece's longevity. Materials and scale are very much related when discussing designs. I think they depend on one another. Without one of them, the piece would not make sense. The Willis Tower in Chicago, Illnois is a perfect example of scale and material. It is the tallest building in Chicago and is made mostly of glass. It is has a very modern look and is a main focal point for the city. It is also impressive from an experience point of view of how stable the building is when it is mostly made of glass. I fully believe that material links backs to unit 1 and unit 2. It was frustrating for me to study elements and principles and scale without the connection of materials. Materials, to me, make the design. For example, the great wall of china is made with of old brick from centuries ago. Imagine how different it would look if the whole wall was metal or glass. Materials all connect back to the original design elements and principles. As we go unit through unit, I am realizing that everything in design tends to build and rely on each other. I think all designs can be better comprehended through material study.