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🧱 Course Title: Material Selection and Finishes

Course Code: 6002-DE

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🔰 Introduction

Material selection and surface finishing are at the heart of architectural and interior design success. Every space tells a story — and materials are the words that shape that narrative. This course offers a holistic understanding of how to choose, evaluate, and apply materials based on function, aesthetics, sustainability, and budget. Whether you’re designing a luxury residence, a commercial workspace, or a sustainable facility, mastering the principles of material selection will elevate your design from concept to reality.

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📝 Course Description

This specialized course provides an in-depth examination of materials and surface finishes used in architectural and interior projects. Participants will learn how to make informed decisions that balance durability, cost-effectiveness, aesthetics, and environmental impact. The course blends theoretical foundations with real-life case studies and a final applied design project to reinforce material knowledge and creative application.

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🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand how material choice affects the look, feel, and performance of interior spaces.

• Evaluate physical and mechanical properties of key materials (e.g., strength, thermal resistance, texture).

• Analyze surface finishes and their impact on ambiance and space perception.

• Integrate sustainable and environmentally certified materials in design.

• Develop a comprehensive material palette for residential or commercial spaces.

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🗂️ Course Format

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📚 Weekly Course Outline

📅 Week 1: Introduction to Materials and Finishes

• Purpose and function of materials in design.

• Impact on aesthetics vs. functionality.

• Overview of essential material types:

  • Wood: solid wood, plywood, engineered wood.

  • Metal: stainless steel, aluminum, copper.

  • Glass: clear, frosted, tempered.

  • Plastic: acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC.

  • Stone: marble, granite, travertine.

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📅 Week 2: Specifications and Material Properties

• Durability, moisture resistance, fire resistance, and more.

• Matching materials to functional needs: high-traffic vs. decorative.

• Texture & Color:

  • Warm vs. cool tones.

  • Smooth vs. rough finishes.

  • Visual tricks (expand, soften, contrast).

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📅 Week 3: Surface Finishes and Their Effects

• Categories of surface finishes:

  • Glossy: luxurious, reflective.

  • Matte: understated, modern.

  • Satin: subtle shine.

  • Textured: rustic, industrial.

• How finishes alter light reflection, maintenance, and perceived size of a space.

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📅 Week 4: Practical Applications

• Residential Interiors:

  • Flooring: tile, wood, LVT.

  • Walls: paint, panels, wallpaper.

  • Ceilings: acoustic panels, coffered systems.

• Commercial Spaces:

  • Wear-and-tear resistance.

  • Maintenance and cleaning protocols.

  • Material zoning and branding via materials.

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📅 Week 5: Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

• Introduction to green design principles.

• Eco-conscious materials:

  • Recycled glass, bamboo, reclaimed wood.

• Environmental Certifications:

  • LEED, WELL, FSC, GreenGuard.

• Lifecycle cost vs. upfront investment.

• Ethical sourcing and circular economy.

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📅 Week 6: Final Design Project and Evaluation

• Create a material and finish palette for a residential or commercial interior.

• Presentation includes:

  • Concept board

  • Material justification

  • Sustainability rationale

• Group feedback + Instructor critique.

• Evaluation rubric provided in advance.

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✅ Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, you will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of core material categories and finish types

• Make informed, functional, and aesthetic decisions in material selection

• Incorporate sustainability into material specifications

• Present a cohesive and professional design concept using selected materials

• Gain confidence in client presentations and professional discussions

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⏳ Time Frame