The Evolution of Lightweight Building Materials

Course Description: This course, Evolution of Lightweight Building Materials MR0002, is designed to educate individuals on how and why building materials have changed throughout modern history. The course demonstrates progression of lightweight materials through different architectural building types and building materials. Each piece of architecture discussed is uniquely related to specific building material.
Many types of building materials are presented highlighting material weights, sustainability impacts, performance properties, fire resistance, materiality, advantages and disadvantages of each material. This course initially discusses heavier mass materials progressing to lighter weight building materials.
The course concludes with conversation of future building materials, intriguing and exciting minds, and suggesting new and innovative future building materials. The course will be approximately 60 minutes in length. The material will be presented in a lecture style using a digital slide show and digital media.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how building materials have changed throughout modern history.


2. Be able to explain the importance of these changes and the benefits to architecture and design.


3. Be able to distinguish the progression of assemblies and materials with their relationship to society at the time.


4. Become knowledgeable on future possibilities of building materials and their impacts on architecture.

Delivery Method: Online

Format(s): PDF

Internal Course Code: MR0002DE

Duration: 1h

HSW Compatible: Yes

Point of Contact Name: USG E-University

Point of Contact Email: EUniversity@usg.com