Question: did anything you learnt when looking at how engineers compare and choose building materials on projects, influence you in any way?

Natasha Watson answered on 13 Mar 2013:

Hey Oshawott,

My work on how engineers look at building materials has influenced how I’m going to tackle their preconceptions.

Most engineers are unaware of green materials and feel dubious about their durability and structural performance. Usually they like case-studies where these materials have been used before as well as the names of architects and contractors who have worked on the projects.

This led me to putting together little leaflets on green materials such as rammed earth, straw, hemplime etc. which have a little bit about the method of construction, the pros and cons of building with them, as well as several case studies where the material has been used in real life.

I’m holding focus groups at the moment where i’m talking to more engineers and from that I’ve gathered than information on how projects can get more funding if they are using green materials is something engineers want to know, so I’m figuring out how best to gather than information and share it.

Hope this kind of answers your question!

Tish