Structure





















Material

Architects use several principles to decide on a building material. First, it has to be available. Then, a builder chooses a material based on its strength. Structures can withstand the effects of forces because of the differing molecular composition of materials. For example, reinforced concrete or steel girders can bear more weight than wood, so the constraints of the building material affect the finished building.

Finally, builders consider the design of the building when choosing materials, for architects want to create beauty as well as functional structures.
 

Select the different types of materials and read about the characteristics of each of them. Then look at Examples 1, 2, or 3 to see how architectural structures use the materials.