Types of Texture in Architecture
Texture is the property, sensation and feel of the objects received through sense of touch and vision. They may be used for the description of tactile sensations. The textures for interior and exterior of a building has to be selected very carefully. Textures can be categorized in different ways as follows.
Smooth and Rough Texture –
Smooth textures are non-tactile textures. They are so fine that they appear smooth to touch as well as to look at. The surface of internal walls and floors and furniture should be smooth to touch so that it is more practical to use and does not create unnecessary inconvenience to the people.
Rough textures are tactile and they possess a course surface for vision as well as for sense of touch. Materials with rough textures can be used for the exterior of buildings and objects for decoration purposes.
Natural and Artificial Textures –
Natural textures are those which have been derived directly from nature. For example – the different patterns of woods and stones (such as marble and granite) are the various textures present in the nature itself. These textures are usually rough but they are smoothened through various processes to make their desired use in the buildings.
Artificial Textures are those which are factory made and their patterns and roughness are designed by man. For example – plastic items, mica, glass, deco, etc. have man-made textures.
Visual and Physical and only Visual Textures –
Visual & Physical Textures are those which are rough to touch as well as to look at. These are generally derived from nature and their natural texture is maintained as such.
Only Visual Textures are those which are rough to look at but have a smooth feeling to touch. Such appearance to the material is given by polishing, varnishing and other processes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Types of Texture in Architecture:
| Advantages and Disadvantages of Smooth Textures: | |
| Advantage | Interiors and furniture with smooth texture are convenient to use. |
| Disadvantage | Over smooth floors can cause slipping accidents. |
| Advantages and Disadvantages of Rough Textures: | |
| Advantage | 1. Rough textures are needed for non-slippery floors. For example – driveways, footpaths, ramps, etc. all need rough flooring.
2. Rough textured exterior finish adds to the beauty of a building and decoration purposes having rough texture add to the interior beauty. |
| Disadvantage | 1. Walls and floors with rough textures can cause bruises and injuries or minor accidents.
2. Rough textures cannot be used where there is a problem of air pollution and dust. This makes a big problem of cleanliness. |
Read more about related study material – Importance of Scale in Architecture
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