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Design+ Importance of material selection

impact; and atmospheric pollution, and these factors cause
significant deterioration and thus a decrease in durability.
22
12.8 12.1 In addition to the reduction in durability, these factors
0 generally change the appearance of the fabrications for the
worse, except in some special cases, such as copper oxidizing
% 2-5 to form green coloration over time. Durable materials
19.9 provide crucial beneficial effects in terms of reducing costs
% 5-10 associated with demolition, early repair, or maintenance;
26.2
% 10-15 and minimizing maintenance, waste, and environmental
pollution, thereby contributing to sustainability. Since
42
% 15-25 such concepts about material durability have been deeply
ingrained in participants’ mindsets, they rated it as a very
important criterion.
29.1
The main objective of materials management at the
construction site is to ensure that construction materials
Figure 4. Distribution of participants according to additional costs they are available at the point of use when needed. This is
would bear for adopting sustainable materials
crucial for ensuring project progression in adherence to
the proposed timeline and preventing extra expenses. 24,25
4. Discussion In this study, the participants identified the availability of
The present study examined the respondents’ perspectives materials as the second most critical factor in view of the
toward the relative importance of 11 material selection aforementioned requirements. One of the problems faced
criteria and seven sustainability criteria. In the study of by the construction industry in recent years is the gradual
Nassar et al., beyond various technical features, durability, decrease in the qualified labor force. However, the success
13
ease of maintenance, and initial cost were determined of a construction project depends primarily on qualified
as selection criteria for different building materials. labor as one of the critical factors of production. 26-28
Alibaba and Özdeniz proposed different selection An unqualified worker may do an unsatisfactory job in
15
criteria for different building elements. In addition to installing a beautiful and high-quality ceramic tile, or an
many technical criteria, durability, appearance, cost, and inept supervisor may fix an expensive wallpaper in an
construction speed were considered material selection unsightly manner. It is found that the participants attach
criteria. Besides technical properties such as physical, great importance to the qualified labor force based on their
mechanical, and thermal properties, a literature review work experiences.
conducted by Ramalhete et al. examining digital tools Surprisingly, we found that the respondents attached
18
for material selection identified cost and esthetics were high importance to sustainability, an indication that
material selection criteria. As in many other studies in the participants are becoming more conscious of environmental
literature, none of these studies have determined the level issues and the advantages of sustainable materials,
of importance of the criteria. The studies have generally including affording better performance at lower costs, a
suggested determining the weights of the material selection more comfortable and healthier living environment, and
criteria by the designers. increased life satisfaction. 29,30
Inferential analyses conducted in this study showed Beautiful architecture appeals to our emotions
that the participants’ opinions did not differ according to and makes us feel better. Therefore, appearance is an
demographic characteristics in terms of material selection important factor determining the overall satisfaction of
or sustainability criteria. In other words, gender, age, customers and is recognized as the main driving force
education level, profession, and work experience do not behind marketability. 31-33 The respondent’s prioritization
affect the participants’ preferences, and thus, it is feasible of esthetics right after the criteria that are beyond their
to generalize the results. control, such as durability, qualified labor, and material

Durability was found as the most important material availability, is also an important finding of the study.
selection criterion. Durability refers to the resistance of a Another important finding of this study is that
material to deterioration over time. A building is typically respondents regard ease and speed of manufacture, initial
exposed to daily wear and tear caused by users; weather cost, and ease and cost of maintenance as relatively less
conditions such as rain, frost, sun, and heat; environmental important. This result suggests that participants are willing
conditions such as humidity, soil, and groundwater to pay more for durable and well-crafted products, wait

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/dp.4491