Progression 202 Lesson 1

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Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

PowerPoint
presentation

Unit 202: Changing practices over time

PowerPoint 2: 20th century evolution of construction
practices

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Progression in
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Aim: To explore materials used in post-1919 construction

Objectives

• Differentiate between locally sourced and imported materials.

• Examine the impact of transport on material choices.

• Assess the choice of materials in relations to building importance.

• Describe the role key materials have had on the scale and speed of

construction and cost effectiveness.

• Identify the key characteristics of key materials used in industry.

• Explore the role of DPC/DPM in the construction of post-1919

construction.

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Progression in
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Sources of materials for Welsh construction

Locally sourced materials include:

•Welsh slate

•stone

•timber

•cob.

The use of both locally sourced and imported materials in Welsh
construction reflects a balance between using available resources and
accessing materials from other regions to meet specific requirements.

Local materials were valued for their accessibility, cost-effectiveness,
and connection to the Welsh landscape, while imported materials
provided opportunities for innovation, variety and meeting specialised
needs.

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Influence of transport on materials used in construction

• The

developments

in

transport

throughout

history

have

had

a

significant influence on the supply of materials used in the Welsh
construction industry.

• These advancements have not only improved the accessibility and

availability of materials but have also influenced the types of materials
used.

• They have improved accessibility, expanded the range of available

materials and facilitated the importation of materials from distant
locations.

• The availability and variety of materials have contributed to the

diversity of construction projects in Wales, enabling the industry to
meet different design and functional requirements.

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Material choice and building prestige

The choice of materials was influenced by the status of the building and
the social hierarchy of the time.

The materials used in construction were a visual representation of the
wealth, prestige and social standing of the building owner or occupant
and were often influenced by factors such as:

• social status
• architectural styles
• availability of resources
• the historical period in which the building was constructed.

The status associated with specific materials evolved over time.

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Progression in
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Material choice and building prestige: stone

Stone has long been associated with grandeur, durability and prestige.
Buildings constructed with high-quality stone were often considered
symbols of wealth and status.

Stone not only provided aesthetic appeal but also conveyed a sense of
permanence and solidity.

Caerphilly

Castle

St David's
Cathedral

Brecon

Cathedral

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Material choice and building prestige: timber

Timber in construction varied based on the availability of resources and
architectural styles.

Nave and vault in Cathedral Church of St Deiniol

Millennium Centre Cardiff

Photographs by Jacqueline Banerjee, available at https://victorianweb.org/art/architecture/scott/44.html

Photograph by Stephen Boisvert (CC BY 2.0),
available at
https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/equalit
y-diversity-and-social-justice-must-follow-crisis-
says-arts-council

The quality and intricacy of timberwork, such as exposed beams and
decorative carvings, showed the status and wealth of the building.

Photograph by Tony Hisgett (CC BY
2.0), available at
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Inside_Donald_Gordon_Theatre,_Wales
_Millennium_Centre.jpg

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Material choice and building prestige: stained glass

Stained glass windows were prominent in historic and religious buildings,
showcasing the wealth and influence of owners or patrons.

Crafted with skill and resources, they served both functional and
symbolic roles, while allowing light inside and portraying religious or
heraldic imagery.

Photograph by Colin Price,
available at
https://victorianweb.org/art/st
ainedglass/oconnor/6.html

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Material choice and building prestige: brick

Brick can reflect a building's status based on craftsmanship and
architectural style. In Georgian and Victorian architecture, high-quality
bricks were used for grand townhouses and public buildings, showcasing
elegance and prosperity.

Pier Head Building, Cardiff

Tredegar House, Newport

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Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Material choice and building prestige

• Elaborate stained glass windows, high-quality stone, intricate timber

detailing and well-crafted brickwork were all indicators of wealth,

craftsmanship and architectural significance.

• These materials not only provided structural integrity but also conveyed

a sense of prestige, durability and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the

overall status and perception of the building.

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Material innovations in construction

• Materials such as cement, glass and steel have played significant roles

in the construction industry in the UK since 1919.

• These materials have revolutionised construction methods, enabling

faster, more cost-effective and durable building processes.

• Collectively, these material innovations (cement, glass and steel) have

had a transformative impact on the scale, speed, cost-effectiveness,
and durability of construction in the UK since 1919.

• Their innovations have enabled the construction of larger, faster and

more

cost-effective

buildings,

while

ensuring

durability

and

sustainability.

• These materials have not only transformed construction practices but

have also contributed to the architectural landscape of the country.

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Material innovations in construction

Scale of construction: The availability and advancements in these
materials have facilitated the construction of larger and taller structures.
The combination of steel frameworks, reinforced concrete and glass
facades has enabled the creation of monumental projects that were
previously unimaginable.

Speed of construction: The use of cement, steel and glass has
significantly accelerated the construction process. Prefabricated steel
components, reinforced concrete and modular glass panels can be
manufactured off-site, reducing on-site construction time. This has
allowed for faster project completion, meeting the growing demands for
housing, commercial buildings and infrastructure.