Material Selection

Comprehensive knowledge base for architectural material selection covering structural performance, durability, thermal and acoustic properties, fire resistance, embodied carbon, cost, and aesthetic quality. Invoke this skill when addressing questions about material specification, material comparison, life-cycle assessment, embodied carbon targets, material detailing, finish selection, or material-appropriate design strategies.

Section 1: Material Selection Methodology

1.1 Eight-Criteria Evaluation Framework

Every architectural material decision should be evaluated against eight performance criteria. Weight each criterion according to project priorities (structural warehouse vs. cultural institution vs. social housing).