Curated Lists

CURATED LISTS

Curated Lists include a selection of products from the Materials Lab library, assembled around diverse material themes. 

INHABITABLE SKINS | CURATED BY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR RIA BRAVO 
Inhabitable Skins: Architectural Enclosures Reimagined offers a speculative exploration of various outdoor membranes with the potential to redefine architectural enclosure. The term ‘skins’ invokes a metaphorical bridge between architectural structures and the human body, encouraging a redefinition of architecture as dynamic, adaptable entities deeply intertwined with their occupants and surroundings. Included are cross-industry membranes selected for their high-performance attributes, water-resistant qualities, and commitment to sustainability.

 

BUILDING REUSE, REUSE IN BUILDING
This collection highlights strategies for integrating circular products. Included are material products that have been reclaimed from existing buildings, products that have been recycled from pre- and post-consumer building and industrial waste, and products that can be used for retrofitting existing buildings to meet progressive building standards.

 

GRASSES
This list includes a wide range of material products derived from the Graminae family of flowering plants. Of more than 12,000 known species, common examples of grasses grown in high volumes around the world include bamboo, corn, rice, sorghum, and wheat. Although grasses for human use are most prevalent in the food supply chain, providing just over half of global dietary energy, they are also viable resources for products in many other industries, including buildings and infrastructure. Grasses are also considered rapidly renewable crops, meaning they grow in a cycle of less than 10 years, an important factor for the environmental-friendliness of grass-based products.

 

MATERIALS IN TEXAS
Materials in Texas is a survey of regional building materials and resources. Utilizing local materials helps to minimize the embodied carbon of new construction and renovation; material transportation alone accounts for 16.5% of the embodied carbon in the built environment. Furthermore, the use of regionally sourced, assembled, or otherwise manufactured materials contributes to the healthy development of local economies, creates opportunities to honor and sustain local building ecologies, advocates for the community interest necessary to maintain sustainable building life-cycles, and delivers meaningful connections to site geography.

 

WOVEN
Woven showcases the versatility of materials assembled through the practice of weaving. Included in this list are over sixty products, representing a wide array of woven materials suitable for diverse applications. Woven materials are formed by the joining of two distinct sets of threads interlaced at right angles: a set of vertical yarns, the warp; and a set of horizontal threads, the weft. Endless variation and complexity can be introduced from this simple starting point, producing results that vary in density, permeability, and structure.

  • Instagram Post
    Our most recent exhibition, curated by Ria Bravo, closed last week. “Inhabitable Skins” challenged us to explore various outdoor membranes with the potential to redefine architectural enclosure— and what better material to test this on than humble building wrap?<br />
    @materials_lab

    Our most recent exhibition, curated by Ria Bravo, closed last week. “Inhabitable Skins” challenged us to explore various outdoor membranes with the potential to redefine architectural enclosure— and what better material to test this on than humble building wrap?

  • Instagram Post
    This #materialoftheweek is a classic. Perforated metal is simply metal sheet that’s been punched or cut to create holes of various sizes, shapes and patterns.
    @materials_lab

    This #materialoftheweek is a classic. Perforated metal is simply metal sheet that’s been punched or cut to create holes of various sizes, shapes and patterns.

  • Instagram Post
    Sending love from our Materials Library! 💖 Embracing the vibrant hues of Valentine’s Day with a palette of pinks and reds. 💕<br /><br />.<br />#MaterialsLab #UTSOA #TexasArchitecture #materials
    @materials_lab

    Sending love from our Materials Library! 💖 Embracing the vibrant hues of Valentine’s Day with a palette of pinks and reds. 💕

    .
    #MaterialsLab #UTSOA #TexasArchitecture #materials

  • Instagram Post
    Have you stopped by to view our current exhibition, Inhabitable Skins, curated by Ria Bravo? Be sure to catch it before it closes March 1! Sailcloth, our #materialoftheweek, is just one of the many material products featured.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    Have you stopped by to view our current exhibition, Inhabitable Skins, curated by Ria Bravo? Be sure to catch it before it closes March 1! Sailcloth, our #materialoftheweek, is just one of the many material products featured.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    The Spring 2024 Material Grant Application is open! Fund the project you’ve been dreaming about. <br />
    @materials_lab

    The Spring 2024 Material Grant Application is open! Fund the project you’ve been dreaming about.

  • Instagram Post
    And - we’re back! Our hours this spring are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Come browse through thousands of building materials, and did you know we have books as well? They’re available for checkout to UT students, faculty and staff.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    And - we’re back! Our hours this spring are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Come browse through thousands of building materials, and did you know we have books as well? They’re available for checkout to UT students, faculty and staff.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    Cheers to the end of the semester!  Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the year. We’re open from 10-5 Monday and Tuesday 12/11-12/12. The Materials Lab will be closed over winter break and reopen January 16. Have an awesome break and see you soon!
    @materials_lab

    Cheers to the end of the semester! Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the year. We’re open from 10-5 Monday and Tuesday 12/11-12/12. The Materials Lab will be closed over winter break and reopen January 16. Have an awesome break and see you soon!

  • Instagram Post
    ‘Inhabitable Skins’ is now on view at the Materials Lab! One of the many materials on display is repurposed parachute fabric.
    @materials_lab

    ‘Inhabitable Skins’ is now on view at the Materials Lab! One of the many materials on display is repurposed parachute fabric.

  • Instagram Post
    Our next exhibition opens in just a few days! ‘Inhabitable Skins: Architectural Enclosures Reimagined’ features a collection of materials curated by Assistant Professor Ria Bravo. The collection explores cross-industry membranes that redefine architectural enclosure.
    @materials_lab

    Our next exhibition opens in just a few days! ‘Inhabitable Skins: Architectural Enclosures Reimagined’ features a collection of materials curated by Assistant Professor Ria Bravo. The collection explores cross-industry membranes that redefine architectural enclosure.