Material Selection Guide
Functional Requirements Assessment
Identify structural needs (strength, flexibility, durability, weight)
Determine surface requirements (texture, finish, porosity)
Consider visual properties needed (color, opacity, reflectivity)
Assess how materials need to transform or be worked with
Evaluate interactive qualities required (how it feels to users)
Consider temporal aspects (aging, weathering, degradation)
Material Options Exploration
List primary material candidates for your project
Research properties of each potential material
Consider alternative or unconventional materials
Evaluate sustainable or recycled material options
Look for materials already available to you
Research appropriate substitutes if ideal materials aren’t available
Material Testing
Conduct small-scale tests of key materials
Test how materials respond to your intended techniques
Evaluate how different materials interact with each other
Check how materials perform under relevant conditions
Test finishing techniques on material samples
Document results of material tests for reference
Practical Considerations
Check availability of materials in required quantities
Assess cost against your budget
Consider tools required for working with each material
Evaluate your skill level with each material
Assess storage and transportation requirements
Consider safety aspects of working with materials
Material Compatibility
Check how materials will connect or join together
Assess whether materials expand/contract at different rates
Research potential chemical interactions between materials
Consider weight relationships between different materials
Evaluate aesthetic compatibility of material combinations
Test critical material interfaces before committing
Aesthetic Considerations
Evaluate how materials support your intended aesthetic
Consider the emotional or sensory impact of materials
Assess how materials reflect the project’s purpose
Consider cultural or contextual associations of materials
Evaluate how materials will look in the intended environment
Check how materials interact with light in your context
Sustainability Assessment
Research the environmental impact of potential materials
Consider the full lifecycle of materials (extraction to disposal)
Evaluate durability and longevity of materials
Look for locally sourced material options
Consider repurposed or recycled material alternatives
Assess end-of-life possibilities (recyclability, biodegradability)
Final Selection
Create a final materials list with specific types and quantities
Document reasons for material selections
Note any special handling or preparation requirements
Plan for material acquisition and storage
Identify backup materials in case primary choices are unavailable
Create material samples or swatches for reference during making