Material-aware building design in responding to future needs

The recent quest for reducing building material ecological impact in parallel to consequences of poorly chosen materials and unsustainable material developments emphasize the need to formulate a comprehensive framework responding to the future. Hence, the conceptual and theoretical foundation of this thesis is brought together around the concept of ‘material-aware building design’ towards a holistic selection of building materials, and considering its future developments. Accordingly, the ‘material-aware building design’ is proposed by author as a method to examine the influences of sustainability, technological developments, and users and designers’ expectations, as the most influential factors in selection and development of building materials from the past to the present. This research aims to show the target and priorities to material scientists and designers by foreseeing the necessities for the future developments of building materials. Hence, the methodology of research is based on both theoretical and statistical approaches in order to bring building materials possibilities and challenges in the design procedure. Consequently, the outcome of this thesis would be beneficial for both designers and architects in order to deal with complex challenges, and improve their designs in terms of environmental responsibility, social wellbeing, and adaptability to the future needs. As a result, by the evaluation of the key factors in the selection and development of building materials, it can be assumed that in the future, the sustainability issues with the assistance of technology and designers would direct building materials developments considering environmental requirements and users' expectations. Therefore, the focus should be on the development of engineered, smart, nano, and bio-based building materials. Additionally, the digital design and construction technology would develop innovative, efficient, and lower cost building design and construction techniques. Likewise, the advances in material experimental, tactile, and spatial properties, as well as immaterial stimulus could provide new experiences. Keywords: Material-Aware Design, Sustainability, Designers and Users’ Expectations, Technology Developments, Future materials