Designers’ finishing material selection considerations in interior spaces
Author
Salcı, Elif
Advisor
Altay, Burçak
Date
2019-07Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
This study aims to explore the different considerations contributing to the material
selection process in interior architecture discipline and understand designers’ finishing
material preferences for interior surfaces, namely floors, walls, and ceilings. Also,
designers’ prioritizations when selecting materials for these surfaces are examined. The
study was conducted through interviews and questionnaires with 30 interior architects/
architects professionally working. In the study, designers’ material selection
considerations were analyzed in general and then entrance areas of interior residential
projects were focused on. The findings of the study show that a wide range of
considerations is made before selecting a material. The determinants of these
considerations are mainly material related, project related and designer related. Designers
have different considerations for each material and consequently, for each surface. Their
prioritization mostly focuses on the materials’ sensorial properties and walls are the
surfaces that these properties are the highest. Technical properties are prioritized at a
secondary degree for each surface. Moreover, materials’ intangible properties are more
prior than manufacturing properties in walls and less prior in floor and ceiling surfaces.
Lastly, materials’ ecological properties are prioritized the lowest by designers for each
surface. This study helps to improve material knowledge in interior architecture and to
disseminate material education. Also, it has implications for designers while selecting
materials, and for material manufacturers while designing finishing materials.
Keywords
Finishing materialsInterior surfaces
Material properties
Material selection considerations
Residential spaces