Claddings and coatings אדריכלות ישראלית Architecture of Israel #129 May 2022 | | 30 Cladding, like in organisms, is made of multiple layers of protective tissue; pigment cells which turn darker when exposed to sunlight, and an infrastructure layer that is fitted to the body form. Like in animals, the characteristics of cladding and coating are often applied in skin-related superlatives, such as 'sensitive skin', 'thick skin', 'thin skin', 'wrinkled skin', or 'elephant skin'. And here it is important to distinguish between the function of external cladding and internal coating, very similar to the essential difference between external skin and the internal one. Each has its own distinctive set of functions. With a basic understanding, it can be stated that the main functions of external coverage is to improve the mantle's resistance to heat and cold, by preventing their transition inside out and vice versa. And a layer preventing the transition of rainwater and humidity in order to protect the building from environmental changes. According to the principles of modern architecture, which coined the phrase Form Follows Function, visibility of the mantle should be a by-product of the building's function (see reference to the Brutalist style on page 52) However, in the era of digital renderings by which architects seek attention, the flag of architecture has been transformed to Function Follows Form, as the legitimate sign of post-modern architecture - a mannerism suffering from ideological handicaps (see an article on "post-modern hollowness" in AI# 54). material for work claddings and coatings Dr. Hillit Mazor Claddings and coatings are often compared to body skin. Although the comparison is rather poetical, each has different functions, just like the difference between external and internal skins of living organisms. Cladding in buildings serves as a cover to distinguish between the body and its environment. It protects the building from heat and cold, fluids and humidity, while filtering vital information from the surroundings to the building. Below: Selection of various animal skins.
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