Material research questions to be handed out during class. If you are not in class, they will be posted here by the end of the day, Tuesday.
Material research, life cycle and innovative re-use precedent --
Every manufactured material has a life cycle. The performance, value and quality of each are particular and unique. The following materials pose particular problems and opportunities in their process of making, their projected lifespan and their reclamation. Many times natural resource exhaustion, pollution, human exploitation, habitat degradation and post-use problems are over looked when estimating the cost / value equation. This assignment will introduce you to the “life cycle” of a building material and challenge you to find innovative potentials for post-use. As you research your particular material pay careful attention to its raw components and their origin, the performance or primary function and how that function may be altered through a new, innovative adaptation.
1 Concrete (Portland cement) Seth & Matthew
2 Concrete block (CMU) & brick Marcus & John Carlos
3 Wall board - drywall or gypsum board Jonathan & Hector
4 Steel & Aluminum Dean & Manny
5 Glass Carlos
6 Asphalt (Bituminous concrete) Alex & Gabe
7 Plastics & resinous composites Eboney & TJ 1. What is the particular material? Is it trademarked (proprietary) or is it a generic term. Where is it made? (display 3 different forms of applications)
2. How is the material made? What are its components and where do those components come from?
3. What is the process to make the material? What are the byproducts of the process?
4. What is the materials’ intended or primary use and user? What is the life span of its primary use?
5. Does the material have precedent for recycling, reuse or adaptation?
6. With the information gathered, propose an innovative new life.
