CCGL9076 Material Matters
Fall 2025/26
ASSIGNMENT 3: MATERIAL INTERPRETATIONS
I. Objective
Many commonly used products in our region have unclear lifecycles, making it difficult to trace their extraction, processing, and finishing stages. This assignment aims to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity, encouraging them to explore unconventional material practices. By working hands-on with locally sourced materials, students will speculate on potential future trends and develop their understanding of material properties and processes.
During this studio-based assignment, students create an experimental sample using local materials. Students will learn about the various material properties of concrete tiles, as well as the methods used for their production. They will then learn to interpret and document the results using the TAL-L Materials Library infrastructure.
II. Methodology
Concrete sample
There is a growing emphasis within scientific research to find alternatives and reduce the extensive use of sand and cement in construction, due to their significant environmental impact and resource- intensive nature. In this assignment students will develop a concrete sample that minimizes the amount of these resources. Working in groups, they will create a concrete sample of 100x100x20mm using either crushed oyster shells or recycled polymer aggregate. Testing and sampling processes, as well as the handling of the course template, will be explained during in-class tutorials. Each student will submit documentation of their work individually, following the course template.
III. Deliverables
- 1 concrete block sample developed in groups, with individual documentation (on template)