- Formality
A feeling is formality is expressed when a room produced the feeling of functional,energetic, and dynamic. When wall surfaces are smooth and proportionate , it makes one feel upright in a formal wall. Most of the time wall is less formal and allows flexibility especially in living room, family room, reception, conference room, shopping malls etc., but they have their own kind of beauty. Today many rooms are semi- formal in both residential and commercial establishments.
- Ambience
Walls become active to the extent that their design and materials arouse visual interest especially if they suggest movement. These walls draw special attention if they are used for storage or displays of collections and also if they are integrated with built in furniture. the walls that arouse visual interest due to choice of design and materials are considered to be the energetic.
- Perceptible
Wall appearances range from glossy, smoothness to stony, roughness with countless intermediate steps provided by plaster and wall board, tile & brick, wood & plaster. Smoothness is often associated with formality, and roughness with informality. A basic pattern of companionable surface texture gives a sense of coherence, but variety and contrast are needed to stimulate it.
- Proportion
The scale of the walls in relation to the size of the space, the character of furnishings and the personalities of the people influences the space illusion. The scale of the stone walls appear large in the big halls, and small in tiny sitting rooms. Large scale is produced by trig, bold textures and moderate to small - scale with small patterns and deep colours.
- Space illusion
A feel of big enclosure is brought about by opaque, substantial looking walls, by warm dark colors and noticeable textures by small separated, framed doors, and by windows with small panes & protective draperies. . Openness come with a maximum of transparent, translucent or apparently thin, unobtrusive walls and with a minimum of walls that block view or movement.
- Light absorption
Colour value is one of the most critical factor in light absorption and reflection. White reflects up to 89% of the light striking it, and black as little as 2%. But surface texture must be considered, because the smoother the surface the more light is reflected. When windows are smaller and artificial illumination is poor, very light walls are needed to make rooms bright. With larger windows & improved artificial lighting dark, textured walls create a sympathetic enclosure for themselves and their furnishings.
- Durability
The amount of time and money needed to maintain walls affects the extent of satisfaction they give. Strong materials like masonry, tile and vinyl plaster are durable and easily maintained anywhere. Some fragile material like glass, mirror needs regular care.Wooden walls are earthy and natural but less resistant to moisture , fire , white-ant infestation.
- Acoustics
Smaller houses & open plans with lightweight furniture, allows greater freedom for children to move around freely, but generate noise. The trend of keep away from large upholstered furniture and heavy draperies make the interiors noisy and reflect sound.
- Thermal effect
Materials used in a wall effect the extent of heat - cold emitted by wall surface to its environment.In the interest of economy and comfort, insulation plays a significant role in controlling heat emission by the wall. Thin glass walls absorb heat, while the thick insulated walls restrain radiation.
A good understanding of the above functional and expressive characteristics of the walls influences the selection of materials, finishes, and treatments.
Participants