Unusual Material

One material that is becoming popular today after going through a period use is wood paneling. While in the sixties, seventies, and eighties wood paneling was quite popular as a decorative element in homes and corporate spaces, the trend fell out of the spotlight for a while and became more of a decorating taboo than anything. With the introduction of new and innovative materials, this trend of wood covered walls is something that is once again on the rise and becoming more prevalent and much more of a desirable statement feature than ever before.

One particular company based out of Montreal, Canada is putting a unique spin on the wood wall coverings by using all reclaimed wood as their raw material. There are many benefits to using all reclaimed wood as this company is doing. One such benefit is the fact that it does not contribute to the deforestation that is going on and becoming such a problem in our modern world. This company is using materials from old barns and mills as well as any other sources they are able to find. Because these materials have been worn and weathered, they are also quite durable and each have their own unique finish on them. This uniqueness is highly sought after by designers and clients alike, as it is something that will set apart one space from the rest as an impressive feature.

The appearance of some of the modern day wood paneling that is becoming so popular is quite different from what was popular in homes a few decades ago. The paneling nowadays is taking on a much more modern and different look that was previously unheard of. The types of paneling can range anywhere from basic planks run either horizontally or vertically on a wall in the same fashion as a wood floor, to panels with a much more random layout or three dimensional look to them. These differences and the uniqueness, textures, and visual interest they create are what are drawing a whole new group to appreciate the paneling. These walls are becoming statement pieces in homes and businesses and are serving as conversation starters as well. The paneling is usually just applied with nails into the wall for the easiest and most lasting applications.

          It is interesting to see trends come full circle and see how different times bring about different tastes in the population. These kinds of trends can be seen in anything from colors to types of fabric to building materials used. Wood paneling has made one of the best and most revolutionary comebacks as far as a different take on the same material goes.

Design Expo

The Design Expo is always a really fun and interesting event. It is very cool to see what new products different vendors have come out with. One of my favorite products I saw this year at the Expo is by MDC and it’s called ideapaint. This product is essentially a high-gloss clear paint that allows a surface to be turned into a dry-erase surface. I can see this having a lot of practical applications especially in commercial and home offices as well as schools and children’s rooms. It’s nice to be able to have a dry erase surface while not having to sacrifice the aesthetics of a nice colored painted wall. 

Campus Materials Analysis

Seating

This seating material was found in the SUB. It seems to be a pretty durable fabric more suited to a commercial application, which is good for use in the SUB. The durability of the fabric allows it to withstand the heavy wear and tear of an area that gets so much student traffic and use.

Window Coverings

These drapes were found in the Merket Alumni Center. The material used is more decorative than most window coverings found on campus. This is suitable for this area of campus, however, as it serves as a conference and reception area for some of the more formal functions at Tech.

Wall Coverings

These wall coverings were found in the SUB on the side that goes to the music and band departments. They are kind of cushy and textured. This is a good choice here because they absorb a lot of the extra noise that travels out of the classrooms from the instruments being played.

Panel Systems

For the panel systems I chose the backs of the benches and booths in the SUB. These panels provide some privacy and noise barrier for people sitting on the benches or in the booths talking or studying. The fabric is a commercial fabric but has a fair amount of texture, which helps absorb noise.

Floor Covering

The floor covering I found is commercial grade carpet tiles, also in the SUB. The choice to use tiles is good in a place that gets so much traffic and also in an area that serves food. This way if something gets spilled or the particularly high traffic areas get worn down faster than the rest of the floor, individual tiles can be replaced easier than replacing the entire floor. The color is also dark to help hide stains and dirt with a tight loop that doesn’t wear down easily.

Fiber Based Art

An example I found on campus of fiber-based art is the flags hanging in the SUB. Most of the art on campus are reproduction prints or photos so it was difficult to find a good example of a cloth decoration.