The meanings of the materials in the architecture of the XXth century

Abstract

The finishing materials in architecture have the role to beautify, to transmit ideas, feelings, to create certain moods. The creative and adapted to context use of finishing materials brings an esthetical and semantic variety in architecture.
Natural materials symbolize tradition and rootedness, they have warmness and vitality, preciosity and nobleness. Wood is the symbol of universal substance, it generates the feeling of warmness and protection. The stone symbolizes power, perenniality and prestige, it beautifies and ennobles many architectural works.
Artificial materials symbolize the human control, the control of reason on the environment. The concrete means lastingness and hardness; it is a malleable artificial stone which can generate a large variety of forms and spatial and constructive solutions. The metal – signifies flexibility and concentration. Certain metal types – titanium, copper – used as finishing materials, have peculiar plastic qualities, they make the buildings attractive or confer them an air of preciosity. The glass by transparency, translucidity and the capacity to absorb, reflect or to let light enter, offers varied and changing sensations.