Image: Katch | Flickr

Texture has long been used by architects to breathe life into buildings as well as to create a unique experience for
occupant’s senses. Expressing the true quality of materials, shaping an interior space or simply to articulate a pattern;
texture is a fundamental tool existing to some extent in most all buildings – both good and bad.
The question becomes — how do you use it in your architectural design?
AN EXPERIENCE FOR ALL THE SENSES
Texture can be used intentionally to elicit occupant experiences. Most simply, texture can “mark” certain areas within
a building by differentiating spaces; but, what happens when you place texture in such a way that it becomes more of
an interactive experience?
Inviting occupant touch, altering a space’s sound or using texture with lighting to play with architectural shadows can
all create some meaningful effects. When you consider it, texture can also be used to accomplish even more complex
problems.
REFINING YOUR ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE
As you know, texture can take on many scales and intensities. Texture variation can be used to emphasize certain
elements and deep textures can become elements in themselves.
As we move onward to incorporate new innovations within architecture, what role do you think texture might have?
Do you think the use of texture will change as components becoming smaller, more dynamic and interactive?
My guess is that texture will be used by architects to create more complex architectural languages. The juxtaposition
between both digital and natural materials will certainly emphasize textures via patterns and rhythms. In addition,
texture between the two will call for varying degrees of occupant touch.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
How do you see texture being used differently in architecture today? What clues do you see about how texture will
evolve into the future? Can you imagine some creative ways to use texture to design more interactive and forward-
thinking designs? What are they?